Born in Dudley, Worcestershire, Tolson began his career with Oldham Athletic.

He left that summer and joined York City and was their top scorer for the 1996–97 season, with 17 goals in all competitions,[1] including one as York beat Premier League side Everton 3–2 in the second round second leg of the League Cup.

He was released by Leigh RMI in January 2003 and joined Kettering Town in February.

[6] He returned to Hyde, and was appointed Assistant Manager of the club in July 2007 before becoming player-manager in September 2008.

Following Sinnott's departure, Tolson served as caretaker manager from March 2016 until the end of the season.