Neal Eardley

I am a retired professional footballer and Welsh international, with a playing career spanning 16 years and nearly 500 competitive appearances across all four divisions of the English Football League. Throughout my career, I consistently demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and leadership, representing both club and country with pride and distinction. Since transitioning from playing, I have established myself within elite player development and professional football environments. I currently work as Player Pathway Manager at Blackpool FC, where I oversee the progression of players from the academy through to the first team, ensuring alignment across all development phases and maintaining the club’s performance standards and football philosophy. Alongside my academy leadership responsibilities, I have undertaken interim roles with the Blackpool FC first team, supporting the interim first-team head coach during periods of transition. In this capacity, I contributed to the planning and delivery of training sessions, match preparation, and day-to-day leadership of the playing group, providing continuity, support, and clear communication between staff and players. This experience has further strengthened my understanding of first-team environments and reinforced the importance of cohesion between the academy and senior squad. Previously, I held the role of Professional Development Lead Phase Coach at Blackpool FC, where I gained extensive experience leading and managing young players in a competitive framework. During this period, I successfully led my team to both a Youth Alliance League Championship and a U21 Central League Cup victory, achievements that reflected a strong performance culture alongside effective player development. I bring a comprehensive understanding of professional football, shaped by my experiences as a long-serving player, international representative, academy leader, and interim first-team coach. Combining lived experience with a modern, player-centred approach, I am committed to developing players holistically and supporting their progression into the professional game.

• FA Level 2 Coaching Certificate
• UEFA B Licence
• EFAiF
• UEFA A Licence
• Professional Development Phase – Advanced Youth Award, 2026-03-01

Oldham Athletic(League One) – 129 Appearances, Young Player of the Year, League One Team of the Year

• Scholar: 2005–2006
• Professional: 2006–2009

Blackpool FC(Championship / Premier League) – 119 Appearances, Championship Play-Off Winners 2009/2010

• 2009–2013

Birmingham City(Championship) – 21 Appearances

• 2013–2016

Hibernian FC(SPFL Championship) – 2 Appearances

• 2016–2017

Northampton Town(League One) – 10 Appearances

• 2017

Lincoln City(League Two / League One) – 140 Appearances, Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year, Fans Player of the Year (2017), EFL Trophy Winners, League 2 Champions, Players Player of the Year, League 2 Team of the Year (2018)

• 2017–2020

Burton Albion(League One) – 14 Appearances

• 2020–2021

Barrow AFC(Loan) (League Two) – 19 Appearances

• 2021

Connah’s Quay Nomads(Welsh Premier League) – 22 Appearances

• 2021–2022

International Playing Career

• Wales U17 (2003–2004) – 3 Appearances
• Wales U19 (2005) – 2 Appearances
• Wales U21 (2006–2010) – 10 Appearances
• Wales Men’s National Team (2007–2011) – 16 Appearances