Hearts relegation would be 'incredibly harsh' but Ann Budge has to take 'responsibility' claims ex-Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart

Michael Stewart disagrees with relegating Hearts without full season played but questioned decisions made by the club

Former Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart has said that if Hearts are relegated from the Ladbrokes Premiership owner Ann Budge “has to accept a big part of the blame”.

The Tynecastle chief spoke earlier in the week about taking legal action if the club are demoted without the 2019/2020 season being played until completion.

Hearts currently sit four points adrift at the bottom of the table with eight league games still left to play.

Michael Stewart has had his say on Hearts' relegation concern. Picture: SNS

Stewart, writing for the Scottish Sun, believes such a punishment would be “incredibly harsh” and “doesn’t sit right with him”, but if it were to happen he feels more questions will have to be asked about decisions made throughout the season.

‘Budge’s watch’

“First things first. If the Tynecastle club were to be relegated that would be incredibly harsh,” he said. “With eight games to go, they have every right to believe they could yet stay up.

“But from a purely football point of view, it’s hard to feel too sorry for them about anything else. After all, it’s their own fault they are bottom of the Premiership at this moment in time. No one else’s.

Ann Budge has had to take big decisions at Tynecastle. Picture: SNS

“And the fact is it has all happened on Budge’s watch.

“In Craig Levein, the Jambos had a guy in complete control who should never have had that power. His reign turned into an unmitigated disaster, yet he has still been allowed to hang around the club like a bad smell.

“And they then took a gamble on Daniel Stendel, a guy who knew nothing about the Scottish game.”

He added: “Hearts went into the winter break four points adrift. They remain four points adrift as things stand. That’s been down to bad decision-making across the board.

“And in any industry the leader at the top, as Budge is, has to take ultimate responsibility for that.”

Money solution

On Wednesday, the Hearts owner announced the club’s proposal to players, management and staff regarding a 50% cut in their salary from April due to the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges clubs around the country will face.

Stewart has proposed the SPFL paying out the prize money for the standings as is to help alleviate financial pressures, while hoping the season can still be completed.

He said: “At a stroke that addresses the issue of clubs needing a lump sum of money now to make it through to the summer.

“And it also removes the need for there to be a definitive conclusion to all four divisions when things are so up in the air.”