He turned professional in 1954 before leaving to do his National Service at RAF Catterick and returning to Turf Moor in 1958.

Joyce won his first Club honour in 1960, as he picked up a Lancashire Senior Cup Winners' medal after beating Manchester United in the final at Turf Moor.

He broke into the first team as Burnley began their defence of the League title in the 1960/61 season. He became a regular and held down a position at right half, with Jimmy Adamson and Tommy Cummings disputing the center half position.

Walter also had a long throw-in, which was another weapon for the team at the time.

During the 1961/62 season, he covered every defensive position and was a valuable squad member, although not a regular.

If he wasn't on first team duty, he was the Reserve team captain and he led the second string to two successive Central League Championships in the early 1960's.

HE carried on as cover at Turf Moor, but made the short move to Blackburn Rovers for £10,000 in 1964 and quickly became a regular at Ewood Park.

After leaving Blackburn, he joined his hometown team Oldham Athletic in 1967 and eventually joined the coaching staff at Boundary Park.

His son Warren went on to become a Burnley player and Walter sadly passed away in 1999.