 Joyce was born in Oldham, Lancashire, the son of Walter Joyce, the former Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Oldham Athletic player, and began his career as a trainee with Bolton Wanderers in 1981.He broke into the first team as a midfielder and in six years made a total of 221 appearances for Bolton, scoring 21 goals.In October 1987, however, Preston North End manager John McGrath offered £35,000 for his services.