Luke Joyce
{{short description|English footballer (born 1987)}}
{{use British English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Luke Joyce
| image = Luke Joyce 12-04-2014 1.jpg
| caption = Joyce playing for Accrington Stanley in 2014
| fullname = Luke James Joyce{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/202021/efl-squad-numbering-11.09.2020.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Port Vale |publisher=English Football League |page=54 |accessdate=24 September 2020}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|7|9|df=y}}{{Cite book| editor-first = Barry J.| editor-last = Hugman| title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10| year = 2009| publisher = Mainstream Publishing| isbn = 978-1-84596-474-0}}
| birth_place = Bolton, England{{cite web |title=FootballSquads – Port Vale – 2020/2021 |url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2020-2021/fltwo/portv.htm |website=footballsquads.co.uk |access-date=1 February 2021}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}
| position = Defensive midfielder
| currentclub = Brentford (Lead North Scout)
| youthyears1 = 1995–1998
| youthclubs1 = Bolton Wanderers
| youthyears2 = 2003–2005
| youthclubs2 = Wigan Athletic
| years1 = 2005–2006
| clubs1 = Wigan Athletic
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2006–2009
| clubs2 = Carlisle United
| caps2 = 26
| goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2008–2009
| clubs3 = → Barrow (loan)
| caps3 = 5
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2009
| clubs4 = → Northwich Victoria (loan)
| caps4 = 12
| goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2009–2015
| clubs5 = Accrington Stanley
| caps5 = 246
| goals5 = 8
| years6 = 2015–2018
| clubs6 = Carlisle United
| caps6 = 120
| goals6 = 3
| years7 = 2018–2021
| clubs7 = Port Vale
| caps7 = 114
| goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2021–2022
| clubs8 = AFC Fylde
| caps8 = 32
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2022–2024
| clubs9 = Radcliffe
| caps9 = 57
| goals9 = 1
| totalcaps = 612
| totalgoals = 17
}}
Luke James Joyce (born 9 July 1987) is an English former professional footballer who is now the Lead North Scout at {{English football updater|Brentfor}} club Brentford. He made 700 league and cup appearances in a 19-year professional playing career.
Joyce was a midfielder who came through the youth team at Wigan Athletic to make his first-team debut in January 2006. He was allowed to sign for Carlisle United six months later, from where he was loaned out to Conference Premier clubs Barrow and Northwich Victoria during the 2008–09 season. He signed with Accrington Stanley in June 2009. He spent the next six years with the club, including over three seasons as captain, making a total of 276 league and cup appearances. He returned to Carlisle United in May 2015 and spent three years with the club, for an overall period of six years and 161 appearances in all competitions over his two spells. He moved on to Port Vale in May 2018, where he would remain a key fixture in the starting eleven for his three seasons at the club. He dropped into non-League football after signing for AFC Fylde in June 2021. He moved on to Radcliffe 12 months later and helped the club to win the 2023 Manchester Premier Cup.
Career
=Wigan Athletic=
Joyce was born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and was at the Academy at Bolton Wanderers from the age of eight until he was released at age ten or eleven. He went on to play Sunday League football and captained the Wigan schools' team. He joined the youth team at Wigan Athletic in June 2003.{{cite web|title=Joyce Lukes North|url=http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~806362,00.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018162129/http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10429~806362%2C00.html|publisher=Wigan Athletic F.C.|date=4 April 2006|archivedate=18 October 2009|url-status=dead
}} He made one appearance for the first team, coming on as a substitute for Josip Skoko in extra time of a 3–3 draw at Leeds United in an FA Cup Third Round replay on 17 January 2006.{{cite web|title=Joyce Earns United Place|url=http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10361~806077,00.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314022547/http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10361~806077%2C00.html|publisher=Carlisle United F.C.|date=23 March 2006|archivedate=14 March 2012|url-status=dead}} Manager Paul Jewell said that "he didn't let anybody down" in the game and praised his attitude in training, as did "Latics" youth team coach David Lee. However, Joyce did not make an appearance for the club in the Premier League and was allowed to leave the JJB Stadium at the end of the 2005–06 season.{{cite news|title=Jewell promises quick decisions on contracts|url=https://www.wigantoday.net/news/jewell-promises-quick-decisions-on-contracts-1-165302|accessdate=16 May 2018|work=Wigan Today|date=29 March 2006|language=en}}
=Carlisle United=
After a short trial, Joyce joined Carlisle United, initially with the club taking over his Wigan scholarship, signing permanently in July 2006. He made his debut in League One as an 85th-minute substitute for Simon Hackney in a 2–0 win over Cheltenham Town at Brunton Park on 3 September.{{cite web|title=Carlisle vs Cheltenham|url=http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10361~32728,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314022556/http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10361~32728,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 March 2012 |publisher=Carlisle United F.C.|date=3 September 2006}}
He scored his first senior goal for the "Cumbrians" in a 5–0 victory over Gillingham on 24 March.{{cite news|title=League One (Sky Sports)|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/carlisle-vs-gillingham/82300|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=Sky Sports|language=en}} He was sent off for the first time in his career in a 2–0 defeat at Port Vale on 7 April.{{cite news|title=Port Vale 0-2 Carlisle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/6513507.stm|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 April 2007}} He made a total of 16 appearances across the 2006–07 season, helping Neil McDonald's "Blues" to an eighth-place finish. He featured just three times under new manager John Ward during the 2007–08 campaign, though he managed to score his second career goal in a 3–2 win over Port Vale on 5 January.{{cite news|title=Carlisle 3-2 Port Vale|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7163920.stm|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 January 2008}}
On 27 November 2008, he joined Conference Premier club Barrow on a one-month loan; "Bluebirds" manager David Bayliss said that "Luke will definitely strengthen us but whether he starts or not remains to be seen".{{cite news| title=Barrow bring in Carlisle's Joyce| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/barrow/7751790.stm| publisher=BBC Sport| date=27 September 2008| accessdate=7 January 2009}} He made his debut at Holker Street in the shock FA Cup second round defeat of Brentford.{{cite news| title=Barrow boys dump League Two high-fliers Brentford out of FA Cup| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/fa-cup/3535110/Barrow-boys-dump-League-Two-high-fliers-Brentford-out-of-Cup-Football.html| work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London| first=Peter| last=Gardner| date=29 November 2008| accessdate=17 November 2013}}
He remained with the club for five weeks, featuring seven times, before leaving after their FA Cup elimination by Middlesbrough in January 2009.{{cite news| title=Terriers bid for Graham rejected| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/carlisle_united/7815035.stm| publisher=BBC Sport| date=7 January 2009| accessdate=7 January 2009}}
On 13 March 2009, he joined Northwich Victoria on an initial one-month loan.{{cite web| title=Northwich clinch double signing| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northwich_victoria/7932601.stm| publisher=BBC Sport| date=13 March 2009| accessdate=15 March 2009}} He scored on his debut for the "Vics" two days later in a 4–1 defeat at Cambridge United.{{cite news|title=Cambridge Utd 4-1 Northwich|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7942063.stm|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 March 2009}} He scored two goals in 12 games for Andy Preece's side, who ended the 2008–09 season being relegated out of the Conference Premier. Nevertheless, he said he enjoyed his time at the Victoria Stadium, and upon returning to Carlisle he found that he was to be released by manager Greg Abbott.{{cite news|last1=Nixon|first1=Amy|title=INTERVIEW: He said what I wanted to hear|url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2015/may/interview-he-said-what-i-wanted-to-hear/|accessdate=17 May 2018|work=carlisleunited.co.uk|date=23 May 2015|language=en-gb}}
=Accrington Stanley=
On 25 June 2009, Joyce signed with League Two club Accrington Stanley.{{cite news| title=Accrington sign midfielder Joyce| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/accrington_stanley/8118624.stm| publisher=BBC Sport| date=25 June 2009| accessdate=25 June 2009}} He made 50 appearances in the 2009–10 season, scoring one goal. He featured 32 times in the 2010–11 campaign, helping "Accy" to reach the League Two play-offs for the first time, before they were beaten by Stevenage at the semi-final stage.{{cite news|last1=Fletcher|first1=Paul|title=Accrington 0-1 Stevenage (agg 0-3)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13385762|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 May 2011}} He scored three goals in 47 matches as Stanley finished in 14th-place under the stewardship of Paul Cook at the end of the 2011–12 season; Joyce took over as captain following the departure of Andrew Procter in January 2012.{{cite news|last1=Robson|first1=Dany|title=Accrington Stanley's Luke Joyce: Look how far we've come|url=https://www.accringtonobserver.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/accrington-stanleys-luke-joyce-look-1273480|accessdate=17 May 2018|work=Accrington Observer|date=5 April 2012}} He made 48 appearances across the 2012–13 campaign, with Stanley ending up in 18th-place under new boss Leam Richardson. Joyce played 49 games in the 2013–14 season as Accrington posted a 15th-place finish under the stewardship of rookie manager James Beattie. When the club were bottom of the English Football League in November after failing to win in their first 12 league games, Joyce stood by Beattie, calling him a "good manager and a good bloke".{{cite news|title=James Beattie: Accrington right to stand by manager – Luke Joyce|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25041030|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 November 2013}} Two months later Beattie returned the favour by calling Joyce an "unsung hero" after he scored his first goal in 22 months to help secure a 2–1 victory over Cheltenham Town.{{cite news|title=Accrington: James Beattie says Luke Joyce is an unsung hero|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25808882|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 January 2014}} John Coleman returned as manager early in the 2014–15 campaign and kept Joyce as captain, with the midfielder scoring four goals from 50 appearances. Joyce said, "it has been an up and down season... overall, I guess it has been a decent season, we have secured our tenth season in the Football League and that's a massive achievement for the club the size of ours, but we are disappointed we haven't finished further up the league".{{cite news|last1=Robson|first1=Dany|title=Up and down season: Joyce – Accrington Stanley|url=http://accringtonstanley.co.uk/2015/05/and-down-season-joyce/|accessdate=17 May 2018|work=accringtonstanley.co.uk|date=4 May 2015}}
{{Blockquote|"I love Accrington Stanley and it's been like a second home to me for the last six years. They gave me my chance in professional football really because that summer when I left Carlisle nobody else was on the phone really trying to sign me. If it wasn't for Accrington I might not be a professional today. I owe the club a lot and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time. I hope the fans have enjoyed having me. I've enjoyed playing in front of them."|Joyce wrote the Accrington Stanley fans an open letter after choosing to leave the Crown Ground in May 2015.{{cite news|last1=James|first1=Alex|title=Luke Joyce: Decision to quit Accrington Stanley was tough|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/12966965.Luke_Joyce__Decision_to_quit_Accrington_Stanley_was_tough/|accessdate=17 May 2018|work=Lancashire Telegraph|date=22 May 2015|language=en}}}}
=Return to Carlisle United=
On 21 May 2015, Joyce turned down a two-year contract with Accrington to rejoin former club Carlisle United on a two-year deal.{{cite news|last1=Geldard|first1=Suzanne|title=Accrington Stanley captain Luke Joyce joins Carlisle United|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/12964318.Accrington_Stanley_captain_Luke_Joyce_joins_Carlisle_United/|accessdate=17 May 2018|work=Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 May 2015|language=en}} He made 42 appearances as United posted a tenth-place finish in League Two at the end of the 2015–16 season, though was booed and criticised by some supporters after suffering from poor form in March, which manager Keith Curle blamed on a "nervous period".{{cite news|title=Luke Joyce: Carlisle boss Keith Curle backs midfielder following criticism|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35919036|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 March 2016}} He helped Carlisle to record a 2–1 win at Queens Park Rangers in the League Cup, before he missed a penalty in Carlisle's penalty shoot-out defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in the Third Round.{{cite news|title=Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Carlisle United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33969907|accessdate=22 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 August 2015}}{{cite news|title=Liverpool 1-1 Carlisle United (3-2 pens)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34265500|accessdate=22 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 September 2015}} Joyce went on to miss just one of Carlisle's 56 games during the 2016–17 season, as the club secured a play-off place with a sixth-place finish before losing to Exeter City in the play-off semi-finals.{{cite news|last1=Law|first1=James|title=Exeter City 3-2 Carlisle United (agg: 6-5)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39879759|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 May 2017}} In the Second Round of the EFL Cup he helped Carlisle to secure a 1–1 draw at Derby County, and then remarkably converted two penalties as Carlisle were beaten 14–13 following 11 rounds of sudden death in the resulting penalty shoot-out.{{cite news|title=Derby County 1-1 Carlisle United (14-13 pens)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37091354|accessdate=22 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 August 2016}} On 29 October, he scored with a long-range strike in a 3–1 home win over Crawley Town, which ended up winning him that month Goal of the Month award for League Two.{{cite news|title=Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month: October winners|url=https://www.efl.com/news/2016/november/sky-bet-efl-goal-of-the-month-october-winners/|accessdate=22 May 2018|work=efl.com|date=18 November 2016|language=en-gb}} In April 2017, it was confirmed that Joyce would remain at the club after triggering a one-year extension to his contract.{{cite news|title=Keith Curle confirms new deals for Carlisle United trio|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-utd/latest/article/Keith-Curle-confirms-new-deals-for-Carlisle-United-trio-eaccd45a-0d6b-4bdf-9965-c3b9587207e1-ds|accessdate=17 May 2018|work=News & Star|date=28 April 2017}} He scored two goals – adding a tap in at Newport County to his strike against Crawley – in 46 appearances during the 2017–18 as Carlisle went on to finish in tenth-position, before leaving the club after rejecting a new 12-month deal on reduced terms offered to him by the managerless club.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Peter |title=We can't just be relying on Popey, says Port Vale star |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pot-vale-luke-joyce-notts-2173173 |accessdate=2 November 2018 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=1 November 2018}}{{cite news|title=Carlisle Utd's Luke Joyce completes move to Port Vale|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-utd/latest/article/Carlisle-Utds-Luke-Joyce-completes-move-to-Port-Vale-e7cd43f9-ec05-49c9-9fff-fcf9f9961058-ds|accessdate=17 May 2018|work=News & Star|date=17 May 2018}}{{cite news|title=Luke Joyce on his Carlisle Utd exit|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-utd/latest/article/Luke-Joyce-on-his-Carlisle-Utd-exit-The-contract-wasnt-as-good-as-I-wanted-it-to-be-or-as-it-has-been-5c681ae9-3130-4722-92e0-3e5a2f2ba5de-ds|accessdate=22 May 2018|work=News and Star|date=22 May 2018}}
=Port Vale=
On 17 May 2018, Joyce signed a two-year contract with League Two side Port Vale; manager Neil Aspin said that "he is comfortable in possession and was impressive against us for Carlisle".{{cite news|title=Luke Joyce: Port Vale sign Carlisle United midfielder and Brendon Daniels|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44156499|accessdate=17 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 May 2018}} He chose to join the "Valiants" despite receiving a better contract offer from a club playing below the English Football League.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Neil Aspin reveals Luke Joyce turned down bigger wage to sign for Port Vale|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/neil-aspin-reveals-luke-joyce-1596973|accessdate=22 May 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=22 May 2018}} He started the 2018–19 season in a central midfield partnership with Manny Oyeleke.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Luke Joyce on why switch to Port Vale was the right decision |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/luke-joyce-switch-port-vale-1880166 |accessdate=9 August 2018 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=9 August 2018}} However, he lost his place to Tom Conlon after Conlon returned to fitness in September, and Joyce went on to admit that "I have not quite performed as well as I would like to and had the influence on games".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Luke Joyce says Port Vale fans haven't seen the best of him yet |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/luke-joyce-says-port-vale-2068884 |accessdate=3 October 2018 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=3 October 2018}} He continued in indifferent form for the rest of Aspin's tenure and was given permission to look for a new club in January after going seven games without a first-team appearance, though started against Lincoln City on New Year's Day and remained in the first-team thereafter.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title='I'm proud to play for Port Vale, this is a proper club,' – Luke Joyce |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/luke-joyce-port-vale-exeter-3324584 |accessdate=17 September 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=16 September 2019}} He became a key player under new manager John Askey in February. He ended the season with 35 starts and seven substitute appearances.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Luke Joyce on Port Vale, his season so far and more |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/luke-joyce-port-vale-performances-2546570 |accessdate=15 February 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=15 February 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Sherwin |first1=Phil |title=From local heroes who impressed to lost boys: Port Vale class of 2018/19 rated |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-player-ratings-201819-2885390 |accessdate=19 May 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=19 May 2019}}
On 18 September 2019, he marked his 500th appearance in a Football League fixture as Vale lost 2–0 at league leaders Exeter City; he quipped that "that probably sums up my career really, Exeter away on a Tuesday night". He scored his first goal for the club on 5 October, levelling the scores in what finished as a 3–1 win over Morecambe at Vale Park.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Free-scoring Port Vale still improving under John Askey |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/free-scoring-port-vale-still-3397955 |accessdate=6 October 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=6 October 2019}} In February 2020, it was announced that Joyce had triggered a clause in his contract to keep him at the club until summer 2021.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale midfielder talks about his future after triggering contract extension |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-luke-joyce-contract-3820621 |accessdate=7 February 2020 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=7 February 2020}} He scored one goal in 43 appearances throughout the 2019–20 season, missing just one league game due to suspension, providing the defensive cover in the holding midfield role to allow players such as Scott Burgess, Jake Taylor and Tom Conlon to get further forward.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Luke Joyce on new deal and how Port Vale has been transformed |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-luke-joyce-contract-4154225 |accessdate=22 May 2020 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=21 May 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Every Port Vale player reviewed and rated for 2019/20 season |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gallery/port-vale-player-ratings-season-4201883 |accessdate=9 June 2020 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=9 June 2020}} He was a joint winner of that season's Players' Player of the Year award, along with David Worrall.{{cite news |last1=Whittingham |first1=Harry |title=End of season awards for 2019/20 |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2020/august/david-worrall-wins-201920-player-of-the-season-award/ |accessdate=2 September 2020 |work=port-vale.co.uk |date=28 August 2020 |language=en-gb}}
On 14 November 2020, Joyce was sent off for a high tackle when Vale were leading Tranmere Rovers 2–0, and the team went on to lose 4–3 in his absence.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title='Take that anger' – John Askey's verdict on Port Vale 3, Tranmere Rovers 4 |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/take-anger-john-askeys-verdict-4702204 |accessdate=15 November 2020 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=14 November 2020 |language=en}} The team also lost the three games he missed due to suspension.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Recruitment is in question but John Askey deserves time at Port Vale |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/recruitment-question-john-askey-deserves-4742113 |access-date=27 November 2020 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=27 November 2020 |language=en}} The losing run continued following his return to the team, leading Joyce to say that "losing games hurts... but we just have to deal with".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title='We just have to deal with it' – Port Vale's Luke Joyce |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/we-just-deal-it-port-4750328 |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=30 November 2020 |language=en}} Joyce featured 46 times in the 2020–21 season, but was one of 15 players released by new manager Darrell Clarke in May 2021.{{cite news |title=2020/21 Retained List |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2021/may/202021-retained-list/ |access-date=10 May 2021 |work=port-vale.co.uk |date=10 May 2021 |language=en-gb}} Joyce said that he was disappointed not to be offered a new contract but that "I have taken great pride in playing for Port Vale".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Pride and disappointment for Luke Joyce on Port Vale exit |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/proper-club-pride-disappointment-luke-5412211 |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=13 May 2021 |language=en}}
=AFC Fylde=
On 28 June 2021, Joyce agreed a one-year deal with National League North club AFC Fylde; manager Jim Bentley stated that "this is a real big signing for the football club. Luke has proven to be one of the best midfielders in League Two over many seasons. His stats are phenomenal, he's an excellent professional and is very well respected within the game".{{cite news |last1=Colman |first1=Jon |title=Former Carlisle United midfielder Joyce joins new club |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/19405207.former-carlisle-united-midfielder-luke-joyce-joins-afc-fylde-port-vale-exit/ |access-date=29 June 2021 |work=News and Star |date=28 June 2021 |language=en}} In joining the "Coasters" he rejected the opportunity to stay in League Two with Oldham Athletic.{{cite news |last1=Geldard |first1=Suzanne |title='He's weighing up his options': Keith Curle gives update on Latics' pursuit of Luke Joyce |url=https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/sport/19370123.oldham-face-competition-pursuit-ex-port-vale-man-luke-joyce/ |access-date=29 June 2021 |work=The Oldham Times |date=14 June 2021 |language=en}} He featured 34 times in the 2021–22 campaign as Fylde finished in third-place, but did not feature in their unsuccessful play-off campaign and was released in the summer by new manager James Rowe.{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Andy |title=AFC Fylde face rebuild after releasing 10 players |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/afc-fylde-face-rebuild-after-releasing-10-players-3703979 |access-date=26 May 2022 |work=Blackpool Gazette |date=22 May 2022 |language=en}}
=Radcliffe=
On 20 June 2022, Joyce joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Radcliffe, having previously been a teammate of manager Bobby Grant at Accrington.{{cite web|last1=Wilson|first1=Kieran |url=https://www.radcliffefc.com/news/luke-joyce-signs-for-radcliffe-2709494.html|title=Luke Joyce signs for Radcliffe|website=radcliffefc.com|date=20 June 2022|accessdate=21 June 2022}} He made 46 appearances in the 2022–23 season, including in the Manchester Premier Cup final victory over Wythenshawe Town. In December 2023, the club announced that their fixture against Workington on 6 January 2024 would be the last of Joyce's career, the player retiring to take up a role as Lead North Scout at Brentford.{{cite web|url=https://www.radcliffefc.com/news/luke-joyce-announces-upcoming-retirement-2823494.html|title=Luke Joyce announces upcoming retirement|website=www.radcliffefc.com|date=20 December 2023|accessdate=21 December 2023}}
Style of play
Joyce describes himself as a "working player in midfield" who wins the ball and passes it onto more creative teammates. Port Vale manager John Askey stated that "with Luke not only is it his football, his organisation and encouragement helps the other players".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale press conference: John Askey on Manny Oyeleke, subs rule and more |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-press-conference-john-4719679 |accessdate=20 November 2020 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=20 November 2020 |language=en}} His successor, Darrell Clarke, classed Joyce as a deep-lying midfielder.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Every word from Port Vale's Darrell Clarke ahead of Cambridge |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/darrell-clarke-press-conference-vale-5048398 |access-date=26 February 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=26 February 2021 |language=en}}
Coaching career
Joyce holds a UEFA B Licence and by 2019 had set up a junior academy in Westhoughton.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title='Football can be brutal and is getting tougher' – Port Vale's Luke Joyce |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-luke-joyce-feature-3185855 |accessdate=7 August 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=7 August 2019}}
Career statistics
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Honours
Radcliffe
- Manchester Premier Cup: 2023
References
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Category:Footballers from Bolton
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Bolton Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. players
Category:Carlisle United F.C. players
Category:Barrow A.F.C. players
Category:Northwich Victoria F.C. players
Category:Accrington Stanley F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Radcliffe F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Northern Premier League players
Category:English football coaches
Category:English football scouts