Alex Palmer on his journey to the Premier League
Alex Palmer, the goalkeeper for Ipswich Town, made his Premier League debut against Aston Villa on Saturday and put on an incredible performance. He has been discussing how he got to the top tier.
Alex Palmer wanted to express his gratitude to the woman who made it all possible when he made his top-tier debut at Villa Park on Saturday.
Palmer understands that without his proud mother Lisa, who was seated among the 42,000 people, he would never have made it to the top league in the world.
Following the game, Palmer disclosed, “I had my wife, my mother, and my agent here. He’s more like a mentor – he’s been with me since I was 17 or 18.”
Even if it’s just one of them, they have always been there for me and traveled to see me.
“I sincerely appreciate their support.”
Palmer went on to say that in order to fulfill his dream, his mother and his extended family had to endure some difficult times.
“My mother, my grandmother, my grandfather, all of them – they were all supporting me,” he said, reflecting on his path thus far.
My mother had three children that she had to constantly watch as they played football, rode horses, or did anything else, so it was a difficult period for her.
“I’m standing here today in large part because she was able to accomplish it.
She seems proud to me. Along with my wife, I blew her a kiss and waved a little in the crowd.
“It was a pleasant moment.”
Palmer, a 28-year-old West Brom youth graduate, has undoubtedly had a difficult journey. He has played for Kidderminster in the National League North, at the bottom of the pyramid, and for Oldham, Notts County, Plymouth, Lincoln, and Luton on loan, moving up the ladder.
Did he ever question whether he would arrive in the promised land?
“I think I always had that belief that I’d get the chance,” he maintained. “I believe that’s how I view life; I’ve been around long enough to know that if something happens, it happens.
“I don’t try to push myself too hard, but I jumped at the chance to come here because it was a good club with a great manager.”
“My family and I were really proud to be able to make our debut.”
He said, “100%,” when asked if his tale could inspire others attempting to follow a similar route. All of my loans, clubs I’ve played for, and appearances have all been made with the sole purpose of assisting me in these settings.
“To be able to do it for Ipswich Town makes me feel incredibly honored and proud.”
And after making it to the Premier League, playing for Town in front of a crowded Villa Park was a stark contrast to some of the venues where he has worn the gloves.
“Today is really easy when you play in the National League North on some of the pitches in those conditions, isn’t it?” he laughed.
“You play in front of great players on a nice, spacious field in a nice stadium.”
With 13 games remaining, those players—many of whom have experienced similar football adventures as Palmer—have the opportunity to try and write another incredible story.
Town’s newest goalie thinks it’s clear what the Blues’ greatest strength is, and the squad is fighting to remain ahead of all the odds.
He exclaimed, “You can see the togetherness with the lads.””They have truly helped me fit in since I joined the group.
“As you can see, the gaffer has formed a truly unique group here.”
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