Colm Marley took over as manager for season 1985/86 and his popularity helped encourage a lst.XI who were still unable to reverse the trend of talented departures. Despite reaching the semi-final of the Cup, the Swifts could only manage fourth position in the League, their lowest position in seven seasons. It was at this stage that the Committee members were able to take stock of the situation and agree on a development plan which they hoped would ensure the continuity of the high standards expected by the Club.

Off the field, the main effort was directed towards gaining membership of the Northern Amateur Football League. From the mid-eighties the Club had made half-hearted attempts to join that League, but it was realised that a concerted effort had to be made to gain admission as it was felt that they had nothing more to achieve in the Down Area League.