He played as a defender from 1989 until 2006, notably in the Premier League for Ipswich Town, before later going on to Watford, Queens Park Rangers and Milton Keynes Dons.
In April 1987 he played a single first-class cricket match for a Cambridge University side also containing future England captain Mike Atherton.
Palmer established himself as a first team regular during another near six-year spell at Vicarage Road and his departure on a free transfer in July 2001 caused some consternation amongst the club's supporters.
[5] Placed in goal for the kick-off of the season's final home match versus AFC Bournemouth, he swapped shirts with goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain early in the game.
He completed the set by wearing Jason Lee's number 9 shirt in the final match away at Fulham – in which Watford won the Division 2 title.