Better known for his time at Millwall, John "Tiny" Joyce does hold a special place in Tottenham's history.
On 10th April 1914 at home to Bolton Wanderers, "Tiny” converted a penalty in a 3-0 league win at the Lane made him the first goalkeeper to score for Tottenham. Joyce had scored eight times from the spot in the reserves between December 1910 and January 1914 and Joyce scored once more v Bayern Munich on tour on 9th May 1914.
Having started his career with local teams in and around Burton-on-Trent, Joyce transferred to Southampton for a couple of years playing back-up for Robinson, the England keeper, before starting his long association with the Lions. Two years at the Den was briefly interrupted by a season with Blackburn Rovers before a quick return to South London, where he spent the next six seasons. His game was noted for his ability to punt the bal up-field much further than most other goalkeepers, turning defence into attack very quickly.
With a lack of first team opportunities and with Spurs struggling in their first First Division campaign, Joyce moved to N17 to replace Fred Boreham and give the back line some experience. He fended off the challenge for his position by Tommy Lunn and Arthur King, but was replaced by Bill Jacques and although he stayed with Spurs until 1916, he was welcomed back at Millwall on departing from Tottenham.
Staying with the Lions until he retired from playing in 1919, he then went into the coaching side as assistant trainer, but in the same year he went out on loan to Gillingham to cover their goalkeeping injuries.
Dedicated to Millwall, he helped in the building of their ground and also stood in as manger when the incumbent suffered illness in the 1930s. Remained as assistant trainer until 1938, when he became a member of the ground-staff.
John Joyce died in June 1956 in Greenwich, South London.