 New manager Colin Appleton used Swan in all four playing position within the first fourteen days of the 1989–90 campaign; his time in goal came when goalkeeper Iain Hesford was injured in a defeat to Bournemouth and had to leave the field at half-time.Appleton failed to control his players, and with his team bottom of the division, he was sacked in October – much to the amusement of Swan and the team.His replacement Stan Ternent managed to instil the discipline necessary to get the best performances out of Swan and the other 'big characters' at the club.