He is a former professional goalkeeper with Derby County who accepted a scholarship at the University of New Haven, Connecticut in the United States of America to play football and take a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media Communication He broke several National Collegiate Athletic Association records as The Charges progressed to the Regional and National finals in 1984 and 1985.
He has worked for Sky Sports since 1996, originally joining from Granada Television to work as the North West correspondent for the Sports News channel. After returning to the United Kingdom, he played for several non-league football teams and Scunthorpe United He was given his break in television whilst playing for Bridlington Town. John Motson pulled out of reporting on "The Road to Wembley" feature and Palmer, who was keeping goal for Bridlington was asked to step in as Motson"s replacement.
Palmer also worked for British Broadcasting Corporation Radio Merseyside and commentated on Liverpool Football Club winning the League in 1990.
He has since established himself as a well-respected commentator, reporter and presenter. During his stint at Granada television he covered live Sunday-afternoon matches and was often heard in other regions commentating on highlights, and he also covered the 1994 World Cup for the Independent Television network.
His subsequent credits include: weekly appearances on Gillette Soccer Saturday, stints on Soccer Department of Administration and Management, Copa America, Football First, England Under 21"s and Fishomania. Rob is known for voice-overs for many Premier League football clubs including Manchester United Liverpool Football Club Everton and Hull City
He is also a key fundraiser and Ambassador for the children"s cerebral palsy charity Stick "n" Step.
