Career
Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sword started his professional footballing career with Stockport County after making a name for himself as a free-scoring striker in the Northern Football League with Bishop Auckland. Sword enjoyed a successful transition from striker to defender, playing out the remainder of his career at the back. Despite playing from defense, he maintained a good scoring record thanks mostly to converting a remarkable 25 penalties.
Sword was transferred to Hartlepool for £5,000 in July 1986, but soon returned to County for a brief stint to finish his footballing career.
He was very well regarded at County, and was awarded a testimonial against Manchester City soon after finishing playing professionally. In April 2005 he was inducted into Stockport"s hall of fame.
