Tommy Miller started out at Ipswich, but was played at the age of 15, travelling to play for Hartlepool United instead, before being re-bought by George Burley. He played in the side that gained entrance to the Premiership under Burley, before playing under Joe Royle also. He enjoyed a brief time playing at the Stadium of Light for Sunderland AFC, before returning to play for the new manager, Jim Magilton.