Career
Swanson started his career at Scottish Third Division side Berwick Rangers before moving to Scottish Premier League club Dundee United in 2008. He moved to England in 2012 to play for Peterborough United. After two years with Peterborough he signed for Coventry City, but he then moved back to Scotland on loan at Street Johnstone.
Swanson was released by Coventry in September 2015 and then signed for Heart of Midlothian, where he spent 5 months before returning to Saint Johnstone.
Early career
Born with a heart defect, Swanson underwent a number of operations as a youngster, including a heart bypass at the age of thirteen. After overcoming his health problems, Swanson played for Hutchison Vale and Leith Athletic before joining Berwick Rangers, making his debut at the start of the 2005-2006 season.
Playing the majority of Scottish Third Division matches that season, a knee injury restricted him to just three league appearances the following season when Berwick were promoted to the Scottish Second Division, although he started the 2007-2008 season injury-free. Dundee United
Swanson completed a move to the Scottish Premier League with Dundee United on 1 January 2008 after agreeing terms in October 2007, having previously turned down a move to Hamilton Academical.
In 2008-2009, Swanson was used mainly as a substitute, starting in only seven of his 30 league appearances.
In the 2009-2010 season, Swanson started United"s opening three league matches, assisting three of the club"s four goals in the process. His good performances for United meant that Swanson was selected for the Scotland squad in October 2011. Soon afterwards, however, Swanson strained a medial ligament.
At the end of the 2011-2012 season, Swanson"s contract expired and he opened talks with Championship side Peterborough United over a possible move to England.
Peterborough United
On 6 June 2012, Swanson signed a two-year contract with English Championship club Peterborough United after making over 100 appearances for Dundee United. Coventry City
On 3 July 2014, Swanson signed a two-year contract with Coventry City after rejecting a new contract at Peterborough United.
Swanson signed on loan for Street Johnstone for the latter part of the 2014-2015 season on 3 February 2015. He returned to Coventry City for close season 2015, but had his contract terminated on 1 September 2015 by mutual consent.
Hearts
Swanson signed for Heart of Midlothian on 9 September 2015, agreeing a contract to the end of the 2015-2016 season.
Saint Johnstone
After just 5 months with Hearts, Swanson signed for his former side Street Johnstone in February 2016 on an 18-month deal.