'I’m absolutely devastated' - Exclusive: Sky pundit reacts to Rangers, Russell Martin news - EFL return tipped | OneFootball

Don Goodman spoke exclusively to FLW about Martin's future prospects as a manager in England

There is belief sacked Rangers manager Russell Martin will likely target a return to the Championship following his dismissal from Ibrox, but wouldn't want to drop lower than that.

Martin was relieved of his duties on Sunday following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Falkirk, bringing an end to the shortest managerial reign in Rangers' 153-year history.

The former Swansea City and Southampton boss won just one Scottish Premiership match from seven attempts and oversaw the club's joint-worst European result - a 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge.

What Don Goodman has said about Russell Martin managing in the EFL again after Rangers sacking

Speaking exclusively to FLW about Martin's future prospects, Sky Sports’ Don Goodman expressed genuine sympathy for the manager's treatment while offering insight into where his career might head next.

"I’m absolutely devastated and gutted for Russell Martin because the personal abuse across the line by a long, long way that he had to subject up there - I don’t think I’ve ever seen a manager so soon into a new tenure be subjected to such vitriol really," Goodman told FLW. This personal abuse was evident by the police escort the manager required after Saturday's draw against Falkirk, due to Rangers fans blocking the team bus.

The former Wolves striker believes Martin will likely seek time away from the game before considering his next move. So, I feel for him, I would imagine he would like a break, and a rest for a little while before jumping back in," he added.

However, Goodman suggested Martin's next appointment would likely come in England's second tier rather than a return to the lower leagues.

"Then it would be a case of him hoping to get an opportunity at a decent Championship club. I would think really, I wouldn't imagine he'd want to drop down to League One or Two, unless there was some kind of serious project like Wrexham or a Birmingham City of the last few seasons."

Despite his disastrous spell at Ibrox, Martin's overall managerial record suggests he retains significant appeal for Championship clubs. Across his Southampton career, the 39-year-old oversaw 73 games and won 34 of them, with an overall win rate of 47%.

Russell Martin's managerial credentials should remain intact despite Rangers failure

Perhaps Martin's most notable achievement came at Southampton, where he guided the Saints to Championship Play-Off Final victory in 2024 - securing promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Leeds United.

During his first season at St Mary's, Martin led Southampton to a club-record 25-game unbeaten run that was ended by a 3-1 away defeat to Bristol City in February. They hadn't lost since September.

In truth, Martin's possession-based style of play aligns with the modern coaching philosophies that are favoured by many EFL clubs now. His MK Dons side set a British record with a 56-pass goal in March 2021, while only Manchester City and Barcelona had higher average possession percentages in Europe during that 20/21 season.

Ultimately, Martin’s commitment to his tactics is what got him sacked north of the border, but he showed that at Saints. Even while the Hampshire club sat bottom of the Premier League during his final stint, they maintained an average possession rate of 53% and achieved a passing accuracy of 88%.

Several clubs could emerge as potential destinations for Martin whenever he may decide to return to management - but it’s perhaps likely he’d have to prove himself again first.

Also, the second tier witnessed big managerial changes during the summer, with nine clubs appointing a new boss - including Martin's former side Southampton, so who's to say a managerial merry-go-round won't begin soon as we near the ten-game mark.

After all, Martin's successful promotion with Southampton proved that his methods can deliver results in the right environment, but given he required a police escort away from Falkirk's stadium at the weekend - a break might be the best option first as Goodman suggested.