Alan Sword scored four times in nine games for Exeter City in the mid-1950s having signed from Newcastle United where he had not made the first-team. He later played for Bridgwater, Bideford and Heavitree. Mainly a reserve team player whilst with the Grecians, he finally made his Football League debut against Queen’s Park Rangers at Loftus Road in February 1956. He subsequently featured in nine consecutive matches and scored four goals, three of which came in the 6-1 home win over Crystal Palace. He signed for Bridgwater in 1957 and later played for Bideford and Heavitree. He died in Sheffield in 1988.