Shared Shirts: Charlie Palmer

An ever-present for the Tigers in the late 1980s, we caught up with Charlie Palmer about his time at Hull City and how he began his career at Watford.

Watford Debut v Burnley:

The defender made his first-team debut for the Hornets in December 1981, featuring away at Burnley in the quarter-finals of the Football League Group Cup. Despite Watford losing 2-1 at Turf Moor, it was a day that Palmer would never forget. 

“I had an idea in my head that this was going to be the start of showing to Graham Taylor what I could do, because he put a lot of faith in me. I had a two-year apprenticeship and then he gave me a two-year professional contract, and I just felt he put that faith in me so I needed to go out, do my best and hopefully start making a name for myself,” explained Palmer. 

“I remember running out, and I’m sure at Turf Moor you run out at the back of the goal onto the pitch, but when you are running out into the stadium in front of all the supporters, it is completely different to running out in an empty stadium. I needed to get used to that initially and I did enjoy that in the warm-up, but then when you are actually playing, you try to focus on doing your job. I played well, because I got another chance and a run in the team, so I was pleased with my debut.”

Watford Image: Alan Cozzi / Watford FC

Joining Hull City:

Joining Derby County in July 1984, the defender spent just short of two seasons with the club prior to his move to the Tigers in February 1987. Joining on the same day as Alex Dyer, the duo were part of the squad development plans Brian Horton was putting in place to consolidate the club’s Division Two status for years to come. 

“I wasn’t aware that Alex was signing at the time, but he was a good player and a good friend. Eric Steele, who was a goalkeeper I had played with at Watford, knew Brian Horton and there were discussions about me going to Hull City. I just felt it was time for me to go and make my way. Obviously leaving Derby was going to be a big upheaval, because my girlfriend was from Derby, which was difficult, but I felt I needed to go and do what was right for myself and for my family. Financially, it was a good deal and what is interesting is I knew Richard Jobson, Garry Parker, Ray Daniel and Steve Terry; we had a good little side.”

Playing at Boothferry Park & Scoring for City:

Loving to play on the Boothferry Park pitch, a trend when speaking to the majority of former City players, a moment that Palmer will always remember during his time at City was his one and only goal in the colours of black and amber, against Leeds United. 

“It was at Elland Road and I celebrated it like we had won the game, and we were 2-1 down! I celebrated it as we had won the game, because I am a Leeds supporter so people can understand now, but I remember that. I remember beating Leeds over the Christmas period too, which was a massive result so I did have some good times. 

“Boothferry Park’s pitch was lovely,” added Palmer. “The changing rooms were probably one of the worst changing rooms though, but as footballers, as long as you had a decent pitch to play on, you could perform.”