 In total, he made 49 appearances and scored six goals as Oldham posted an eighth-place finish.Eardley earned praise from manager Joe Royle in April 2009, but despite missing matches through international call-ups was named in the League One Team of the Year for his performances across his 34 league appearances during the 2008–09 campaign, alongside teammate Chris Taylor.However Royle left the club and his successor, Dave Penney, signed cover at right-back in apparent anticipation at losing Eardley during the transfer window.