Bill Joyce started his career with Greenock Morton in Scotland. In was signed by Bolton Wanderers in 1894 but broke his leg in 1896. After recovering full fitness he moved to London where he joined Tottenham Hotspur. He was a great success at his new club and scored 26 goals in 38 matches. In 1899, Francis Payne, the club secretary, was given the task of finding good players for Thames Iron Works first season in the top division of the Southern League. According to one report, Arnold Hills, gave Payne £1,000 to find the best players available. With this money he brought Bill Joyce, Tom Bradshaw, and Ken McKay from Tottenham. Bradshaw was already seriously ill and he only played five games before dying of consumption on Christmas Day 1899. Joyce was a success and in his first season scored 18 goals in all competitions. This included two hat-tricks against Southampton and Royal Engineers. However, Joyce left the club at the end of the season and joined Portsmouth. Later he had two seasons with Burton United.