Palmer started his career at West Brom, joining as an apprentice in July 1983 before turning professional in December 1984. He made his league debut in September 1985. He earned a move to Sheffield Wednesday in February 1989 for £750,000, where he made his name in the Premiership. This led to him being bought by Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson for £2.6 million in June 1994.

 

In September 1997 he was signed by Southampton for a fee of £1million. He was transferred to Nottingham Forest in 1999. He later played for Coventry and then joined Stockport County in November 2001 as player-manager where he remained for two years. He also briefly played for Dublin City who he joined in August 2004.

 

Palmer won 18 caps for England. He was a member of the England squad that went to the 1992 European Championships in Sweden.

 

Palmer now works as a pundit on the BBC show Final Score, and also provides match analysis for the Football Channel.