Published: Friday, 8th May, 2009 2:14pm

French: I knew we would get relegated

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PEEBLES boss Gary French revealed he knew his side would get relegated before the season kicked-off.

However, despite lining up to play their final game of the season at home to Edinburgh City on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm), he insisted he was not relieved it is almost over.

The Whitestone Park club lost manager Mark Lamb, the majority of his coaching team and squad after gaining promotion to the East of Scotland Premier Division at the end of last season following some wrangles behind the scenes.

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News, French said: 'I am looking forward to next season already.

'We knew that we were going to get relegated so we"re not down hearted. We have already started preparing for next season and have looked at the last few games as preseason friendlies.'

Peebles have conceded more than 100 goals and netted only one win so far this season. Their sole victory to date was against fellow relegation candidates Selkirk.

However, despite losing 5-0 away to City last weekend, the home side are confident they could double their points tally before full-time blows on their season.

French said: 'City have three or four players better than us but certainly not a whole team. Three of their goals last Saturday came from mistakes but if we don"t make any this weekend we"ve got a chance of winning.'

Meanwhile, in the First Division, Vale of Leithen are looking to add to their goal tally when they travel away to play Hawick Royal Albert tonight (Friday KO 7.15pm) after hammering the home side 9-0 at Victoria Park earlier this week.

They then host Gretna in the league on Wednesday night (KO 7.30pm) as they warm up for a League cup semi-final against Dalbeattie Star a week on Saturday and a King Cup final against Heriot-Watt University at Rosewell on May 24.

Vale secretary Alex Currie said: 'The players are playing for their places at the moment with the arrival of the new manager and, after an inconsistent start, we want to finish the season with some silverware.'