Born in
Oud-Beijerland,
South Holland, van Tiggelen – nicknamed "De Spijker" (
nail) – started his professional career with
Sparta Rotterdam, making his
Eredivisie debut on 30 August 1978, in a 1–0 home in against neighbours
Feyenoord. During his five-year spell at the club, he was an undisputed starter, also finding the net every season (for a total of 13 league goals). In 1983, van Tiggelen signed with fellow league side
FC Groningen and remained there for three years, managing to again maintain top level status in every season. Afterwards, he had his first abroad experience, as he joined
R.S.C. Anderlecht in neighbouring Belgium, where he also appeared regularly (as first-choice). Aged 34, van Tiggelen returned to his own country, moving to
PSV Eindhoven. The veteran marker still managed to collect nearly 100 official appearances, playing 26 games as the side won the
1991–92 national championship. He saw out his career at 38, after one season – and again in the top division – with
Dordrecht'90; his last game ended 5–1, at home against
FC Volendam. Van Tiggelen then returned to his first club, mainly serving as assistant manager and youth trainer. In 2005, he had his first head coach experience, and finished
the season in the second position, helping Sparta return to the first division. The second spell as head manager – still with Sparta – occurred in late 2007, following the dismissal of
Gert Aandewiel. Subsequently, van Tiggelen was part of
Foeke Booy's coaching staff. ==International career==