Career
Born in Arksey, Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, Swallow started his career as a junior with Doncaster Rovers, turning professional in July 1959. He joined Crewe Alexandra in 1962 and played for them in their promotion season of 1962-1963. Swallow moved to Barnsley in July 1964 and then moved to Bradford City for £3,000 in February 1967, where he was in the side which gained promotion in the 1968-1969 season.
Swallow signed for York City for £3,000 in October 1969.
He helped the club to promotion in both the 1970-1971 and 1973-1974 seasons, and captained the club after they made it to the Second Division. He made a total of 312 appearances for the club
He became a director of York City in 1981 and twice worked as caretaker manager.