PEEBLES Rovers could well be the last team to ever win the East of Scotland First Division.

League bosses used their casting vote last week for the association’s remaining 16 teams to play in the one division.

Rovers and Heriot-Watt University both won promotion to the East Premier last season.

And Coldstream were relegated down the First Division.

But the restructuring throws all of the clubs together.

Peebles assistant manager Gerry Rossi said: “In some ways it is disappointing after the season we have had but playing each other four, five or even six times in a season isn’t great.

“I think for the East of Scotland to be a credible league it had to go down to one division.

“We knew there was a chance of being one league and we are preparing over the summer just the same as if it was a smaller Premier League.” The League’s 16 clubs were split at eight for and eight against reconstruction to one league.

But the Board decided to opt for a single division.

League chairman Tom Allison said: “The Board met and had a long discussion and considered all the options available. The decision taken by the Board was not an easy one to make as we know that not all clubs are in favour of this.

“We asked the clubs at the AGM for an indication of what their view was and we had a 50/50 split.

“This meant the decision would have to be taken by the Board. We feel that by having just one division it will generate more interest in the League.

“Taking this decision will allow us to create more interest in the League whilst looking at ways to improve and develop the League for future seasons.

“I believe that this decision is in the best interest of all members of the East of Scotland Football League at this current time.” Peebles Rovers begin pre-season training on Saturday, June 27.

The new season will kick off on August 1. Fixtures will be issued within the next few weeks.