Palmer was born in Derby and attended Derby Moor Community School. He began his professional career with Derby County, but did not establish himself as a first-team member. He then joined Notts County in 2004, from where he went out to Hereford United on loan for a month, making three appearances. He was given a first-team place on his return, making 24 appearances and scoring four goals.
Palmer signed for Wycombe Wanderers in the summer of 2006. He initially held down a place in the first team, but struggled to win back his place after a shoulder injury. He went on loan to Darlington in August 2007. After being released by Wycombe he signed for Walsall on 1 August 2008, after a successful trial period with the club.[1]
On 6 July 2009, Palmer joined Football League One side Gillingham.[2] On 17 June 2011, Palmer moved to Football League Two side Burton Albion.[3]
Following his release from Burton Albion, Palmer joined Waitakere United in New Zealand on a short-term contract.[4] He scored three goals for Waitakere in the group stages of the 2012–13 OFC Champions League and played in the final, which they lost 2–1 to Auckland City.[5] He later returned to England to play for Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ilkeston on non-contract terms on 16 August 2013, where he was joined by his former Burton Albion colleague Aaron Webster.[6] He made nine appearances for the Robins in all competitions, scoring once.[7][8]
On 3 October 2013, Palmer left Ilkeston and signed for Conference North side Oxford City.[9] On 29 January 2014, Palmer signed for Conference Premier side Tamworth,[10] but after five appearances Palmer was released by the club on 27 February 2014.[11]
