Royle's managerial football education began shortly afterwards when he was placed in charge at Oldham in July 1982.
Oldham were beaten in the 1990 League Cup final and in the same season, reached the last four of the FA Cup losing to Manchester United.
Royle guided the Latics to the Division Two championship crown in 1990/1991.
In November 1994 he joined Everton for his most successful stint as a manager.
Under Royle Everton reached the final of the 1995 FA Cup where they beat Manchester United - the last time an English manager won the prestigious trophy.
The following season, Everton finished sixth in the Premiership.
He joined another former club - Manchester City - in February 1998.
During his time there the club were relegated and promoted back to the Premiership a season later.
But his forthright style eventually cost him his job at Maine Road.
Royle will join the extensive BBC Sport team in Korea and Japan as a summariser.