A centre-forward, Fay Coyle began his career at Derry City in the Irish League before starring with Coleraine for a number of years.
At the age of 18, he joined Derry City Reserves, and after some excellent displays, he made his senior debut in the 1952–53 season against Ards.
Back in the Irish League, Coyle added to his collection of North-West Senior Cup medals as Coleraine defeated his old and first club, Derry City, in the 1959 and 1960 finals.
Coyle's performances in the Irish League during the 1954–55 season brought him to the attentions of Peter Doherty and the Northern Ireland national football team international selectors seeking a solution to their perennial search for a reliable goalscorer.
Northern Ireland's on-going centre-forward problem continued due to an injury to Billy Simpson in the run-up to tournament, and Coyle was given a chance against Argentina.