Preston striker Stephen Elliott joined Norwich City on loan on 5th March 2010 until the end of the 2009/10 season. The Republic of Ireland international made his debut the following day as a substitute in the 3-0 defeat of Yeovil at Carrow Road. He scored his first two goals in the 3-1 win at Huddersield on 13th March 2010. He made 10 appearances for Norwich in 2009/10 but scored no further goals

Elliott began his career at Manchester City but only made two appearances, both as substitute - his debut coming in February 2004 against Bolton. Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy signed him from Manchester City in June 2004 for a fee of £125,000, set by a tribunal, with extra payments linked to his performance. He quickly established himself as first-team regular, scoring 15 goals as the team finished as champions in 2005. However, his Premiership season was largely disrupted by injury, although prior to his injuries he scored spectacular long-range goals against Manchester United and Newcastle United. On Sunderland's return to the the Championship, he showed good form when fit, but again injury problems blighted his career.

Elliott's good start for Sunderland in 2004 led to a call-up to the Republic of Ireland, and he made his international debut against Croatia at Lansdowne Road on 16th November 2004. He had previously represented Ireland's U-20 team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. He scored his first senior International goal to beat Cyprus 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier on 8th October 2005

Elliott moved to Wolves on 17th July 2007 for an undisclosed fee (reportedly around £750,000), linking up again with Mick McCarthy, his former manager at Sunderland. However, he failed to make a strong impact at Molineux, and was transfer-listed at the season's end after the club missed out on the play-offs

Elliot signed for Preston North End on 1st September 2008 for an undiclosed fee; however he was later overlooked in favour of Jon Parkin and Chris Brown and so welcomed the loan move (a similar loan to Barnsley had fallen through the week before)

On 6th May 2010, Preston announced that they were releasing Elliott at the end of the season.

On 4th August, Elliott was linked with a move to Scottish side Hearts. Sources suggested he could join up at Hearts before the end of that week. "We've got some enquiries going on for a couple of players that we are getting a wee bit closer to on the striking front," said manager Jim Jefferies. This was completed on 9th August with Elliott signing a two year deal.

Elliott played all 90minutes as Hearts beat arch-rivals Hibs in the Scottish Cup Final on 19th May 2012. However two days later, it was announched that Hearts were releasing him as part of a cost cutting exercise. He had made 65 appearances for Hearts, scoring 11 goals.

He joined Coventry on a one year contract on 2nd July 2012. Coventry boss Andy Thorn said "We are delighted he wants to be part of what we believe can be a winning team here at Coventry next season. I know there were clubs from the Championship very interested in Stephen but our hard work has paid off in bringing him here. He works extremely hard for the team and can bring other players into play"

Elliott was released by Coventry at the beginning of May 2013.

On 7th August 2014, Elliott signed for Carlisle on a one year deal. He played with Cumbrians boss Graham Kavanagh at Sunderland.

In April 2016, Elliott trained with League of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers before signing for Dublin side Shelbourne. On August 11th 2016 Shelbourne FC announced Stephen had left by mutual consent. In January 2017, he signed for Irish side Drogheda United before returning to England on 16th November 2017 to sign for non-league Morpeth Town. He retired at the end of the 2017/18 season.