Born in Shotton Colliery, County Durham,[1] Miller was in the Ipswich Town youth system as a youngster but was released at 15 and went on to join Hartlepool United, where he signed his first professional deal.

[4] However, Miller's move to Brann was unlikely because FA rules state a player can only join a team outside of Britain for a minimum of three months.

[6] On 25 November 2001, Miller made his league debut for the club in 0–0 draw against Middlesbrough after coming on as a substitute on a 75 minutes for Sixto Peralta.

[9] Miller moved to Sunderland in June 2005 on a two-year contract,[10] beating Scottish club Celtic and Leeds United who were chasing after him.

[12] He started the first three games of the season under new manager Niall Quinn,[14] but after the appointment of Roy Keane he found himself sidelined and in the pecking order which led him being loaned to Preston North End.

[citation needed] Also interested was Romanian side Steaua București who want to sign him with reports claiming that he could discuss a move.

[22][23] Upon completing the signing of Miller for Sheffield Wednesday[24] manager Brian Laws commented, "I have made it clear that we need to add experience to our squad and Tommy certainly fits the bill.

[27] Later on the season, Brian Laws left the club after being sacked and went on to take up a Burnley in the Premier League and was succeeded by Alan Irvine.

He was named PFA Fans' Player of the Month in League One for October 2010, pipping teammate Nicky Weaver to the award.

[32] He scored his first goal for the Terriers in their 2–2 Football League Trophy draw against Bradford City at the Galpharm on 11 October 2011, though he would later miss a penalty in the shootout.

On 21 June 2012, Miller was announced as Swindon Town and manager Paolo Di Canio's latest signing.

He adds significant experience to the squad and joined former Terriers teammate Gary Roberts who signed a few days earlier at The County Ground.

On 19 August 2013, Miller joined Bury, with Kevin Blackwell saying "Tommy brings a wealth of experience that is needed at this level.

He injured his calf in October 2014 only making one more appearance which was on 28 April 2015, in the 2–1 win against Exeter City which confirmed Hartlepool's Football League status.

[41] Arca and Miller were dismissed on 27 December 2023 with South Shields in 8th-place in the National League North, following a six-game winless run.