Michael Stewart, the former Hearts midfielder, has called his former club as a "mess" following confirmation that assistant manager Billy Brown will be allowed to continue in his post until the end of the month.

It had previously been stated by administrators BDO that Brown would leave the club at the weekend.

It has been suggested that the initial decision has been overturned to appease David Southern, Hearts' general secretary, and director of football John Murray. An appeal from senior players was also made, while the desires of prospective new owners Foundation of Hearts cannot be discounted.

"There are a lot of mixed messages coming out," said Stewart. "I think what that highlights is the fact that there's too many chiefs and not enough Indians at the club at the moment. It's a bit of a mess."