 He remained a first-team regular until Michael Appleton replaced Holloway as manager, but played less frequently thereafter, and appeared even less under Paul Ince as he ended the 2012–13 campaign with just 26 appearances to his name.Although disappointed by his lack of opportunity"there has been a lot chopping and changing within the club and sometimes that happens"he felt he had learnt from the experience and was settled at the club and in the area.In May 2013, Eardley agreed a three-year deal with Birmingham City, to begin on 1 July after his contract with Blackpool expired.