Palmer was born and educated in Gloucester. As a youngster he played in the Gloucester Primary Schools' representative side, and when older he trained with Bristol Rovers. He joined Cheltenham Town's youth programme, combining studies at Hartpury College with football training; he played for Cheltenham's youth team, but failed to earn a professional contract. He was signed by Hereford in September 2006 after impressing in pre-season, after a trial at Cardiff City. He scored eight goals in reserve and Herefordshire Cup matches, including a hat-trick in the HFA Senior Floodlit Cup semi-final against Westfields. He made his Football League debut against Swindon Town, coming on as a substitute, and made a further two appearances in the 2006–07 season, at the end of which his contract was extended for six months, and again for a further six months in January 2008. After one more first-team appearance, he joined Southern League Premier Division side Gloucester City on a month's loan in February 2008. He marked his debut the following day with a hat-trick in the 5–0 win against Rugby Town. He returned to Hereford having scored five goals from his six league appearances, but was released by Hereford at the end of the season. Palmer agreed to spend the first month of the 2008–09 season with Gloucester City while looking at options for a return to full-time football. He played three Southern League games without scoring, then moved on to Conference North sideSolihull Moors on 30 August. Palmer then left Solihull, resumed his studies at Hartpury College, and signed for Forest Green Rovers, playing in the reserve squad at The New Lawn. He was given his first team chance in March 2009 where he came off the bench against Altrincham and netted on his debut in second-half injury time. He then joined Chippenham Townon loan for the rest of the season, and just as he did for Forest Green, he scored in his opening game for the Wiltshire club. Palmer was offered a new contract in July 2009 to stay at The New Lawn. In November, Forest Green allowed him to join Southern League Premier club Evesham United on a non-contract basis, though they retained his registration for the Conference. In June 2010 Palmer signed for Cirencester Town. He left Cirencester however in December 2010 when he re-signed for fellow Southern Premier Division side, Evesham United. In October 2011, Palmer was the subject of a 7-day approach from Westfields. In March 2012 he joined Stourbridge. He left the club at the end of the 2011–12 season however and re-signed for Evesham United. In June 2013, he agreed a new deal to remain with Evesham for the 2013–14 season.
