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
2005–06 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
2007–08 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. Making his debut the following day as a substitute in the 4–1 win over
Hearts, Swanson scored his first goal for United in a 2–0 victory over Motherwell in March 2008, going on to feature in a number of matches that season. In
2008–09, Swanson was used mainly as a substitute, starting in only seven of his 30 league appearances. In the
2009–10 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. At the end of the 2011–12 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. The midfielder made a total of 79 appearances scoring 5 goals before rejecting a new contract offer with Posh at the end of the 2013-2014 season. Swanson won the EFL Trophy with Peterborough United at Wembley Stadium in 2014.
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
St Johnstone for the latter part of the 2014–15 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.
Heart of Midlothian Swanson signed for
Heart of Midlothian on 9 September 2015, agreeing a contract to the end of the 2015–16 season.
St Johnstone (second spell) After just five months with
Hearts, Swanson signed for his former side
St Johnstone in February 2016 on an 18-month deal. In April 2017, Swanson brought St Johnstone in to disrepute after becoming involved in an on-pitch brawl with teammate
Ricky Foster. Both players were suspended by the club and were subsequently fined four weeks' wages.
Hibernian On 25 April 2017,
Hibernian announced that they had signed Swanson on a pre-contract agreement. Injuries restricted his appearances for Hibs in the first part of the 2017/18 season. Swanson was linked with a return to St Johnstone in January 2018, His contract with Hibs was cancelled on 31 August 2018.
St Johnstone (third spell) After his release from Hibernian, Swanson resigned for St Johnstone in September 2018, stating that he was "at his happiest" whilst playing for the Perth club. He was released by the club in May 2020.
East Fife On 30 July 2020, Danny Swanson signed for
East Fife, on a two-year deal.
Cowdenbeath After 2.5 years without competitive football, on 6 September 2024 Swanson signed with
Cowdenbeath in the fifth-tier
Lowland Football League. ==Career statistics==