Born in Sheffield, Boyle was spotted playing for the Bullcroft Colliery team and signed for Sheffield United in 1921.[4] He initially found it difficult to establish himself in the first team, but over time his form improved, particularly his heading, which was a factor in him being selected for the 1925 FA Cup Final ahead of the more experienced Tommy Sampy.[4] He left the Blades in 1929 after making over 140 appearances and scoring 40 goals.
Boyle signed for Manchester United for £2,000, but failed to settle and spent only one relatively unproductive season at Old Trafford in which he made just 17 starts.[4][3] He was registered as a player by Macclesfield Town in May 1930 but by July of the same year had left for Northampton Town where he spent a successful five seasons, starting over 140 games for the Cobblers.[4]
In 1935, Boyle was appointed player-manager of non-league Scarborough where he spent a reasonably successful season before retiring.[4]