‘I’ve come here with one aim…’ – Alex Palmer discusses Town move and West Brom exit

When he took the field at Home Park to participate in West Brom’s 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon, was he aware that Ipswich Town was interested in him? We might never find out. This move seemed to have happened rapidly from the outside.

The initial rumors started to circulate yesterday morning. Then, shortly after 9 p.m., less than two hours before the window slammed shut, it was confirmed that the 28-year-old was, in fact, moving to Suffolk. Palmer told Town TV, “It’s been hectic, but that’s football.”

“I’m thrilled to be here because I think this is an exciting time for me to take on a new challenge.” It is worthy of some acknowledgment that he believes now is the ideal time to leave West Brom.

At the age of 14, Palmer started in the Baggies’ youth academy in 2010. He hasn’t spent much time away from the Hawthorns aside from a few loan stints, the most of which were last-minute emergency moves to cover injuries at other clubs.

He even declined the opportunity to join the Premier League in the summer of 2023. He chose to stay even though his club had paid Luton Town to let him transfer to Kenilworth Road.

Even if Ipswich’s offer was too good to refuse when they contacted, he nevertheless departs West Brom with a heavy heart. “Obviously, it’s going to be a difficult decision when you spend that much time somewhere,” he said.

However, I thought the moment was ripe for me to attempt something else and follow a different path. All of that, I believe, is a part of life.I wish them all the best because I’ve had a terrific time and met some wonderful individuals at West Brom. “I’m excited for this new challenge.” Palmer had to be drawn to that new challenge in order to make such a significant move at the end of the transfer window.

Although Kieran McKenna, the manager, undoubtedly had a significant influence on the relocation, he also supported the initiative and is happy that his new dressing room will contain many familiar faces.

Palmer clarified, “You see it as a club that’s going places and is on a good trajectory.” “Everything I’ve been told about the manager is excellent.”It’s extremely thrilling to come here and be a part of a team that has accomplished so much in such a short period of time.I’ve heard nice things about the rest of the guys and know a couple of them.

It facilitates that transition somewhat. They will assist me in settling in, and I’m sure I’ll talk to them frequently over the coming weeks. Palmer was present when Ipswich won promotion from the Championship the previous season. He was impressed by the way they did it and has fond memories of the two games that West Brom played against Town, especially the draw in Suffolk.

“They were both tough games,” he recalled. “I think one of the highlights of last season was the game at Portman Road, which ended 2-2. The last 15, 20 minutes were incredible.

“The atmosphere that was made by you guys was something to remember. I think we all went away thinking, ‘wow, that was some game, a proper game of football’.

“I think that was one of the lasting memories I’ll have, and hopefully we’ll have a few more of those. “I’ve only played here a handful of times. That makes it an exciting time, where I get to move to a different part of the country.

“That’s football, the highs and lows of it. “It’s good to see different places that you might not have. This will be my home for the foreseeable.” Ipswich, of course, have three goalkeepers already.

Christian Walton, who’s currently sidelined with a groin injury, is a traditional goalkeeper. Arijanet Muric is more unorthodox, although his poor form has seen him fall out of the starting lineup. Town rate Cieran Slicker highly, but he isn’t ready for regular Premier League minutes at this stage in his career. It opens the door for Palmer to become the Blues’ new first choice, and based on his description of himself, he sounds like a safe pair of hands.

“I’d like to say that I’m pretty solid,” he stated. “I’m vocal, I try to command my box. I think the defenders will know I’m there! That’s what I’d say about myself. “I’m fit and raring to go.” The last 18 months suggest that Palmer has what it takes to step up to the Premier League.