Kilbane plea for winter break as Wigan supporters stay away

HULL’S Kevin Kilbane has called for a winter break to ease the financial burden on fans ahead of FA Cup third-round day.

A crowd of just 5,335 turned up at the DW Stadium on Saturday to see Hull dumped out of the competition 4-1 by Kilbane’s former club Wigan.

The gate was the worst of several poor attendance figures across the country, all of which have been used to highlight the cup’s loss of appeal. But with people saving money after Christmas, the weather poor and managers predictably making multiple changes, there are numerous reasons for the apathy.

Ireland international Kilbane, who left Wigan for Hull a year ago, believes a simple calendar change could make a difference. The 32-year-old utility man said: “For cup games we never had great crowds when I played here.

“I think we brought a good turnout from Hull but I think the crowd probably reflected the busy period we have had. We have had three games in a week and supporters can’t be expected to keep paying the money to turn out to games.

“I honestly think at this sort of time we should have a break from the game, maybe a 10-day or two-week break. I’ve said it for a long time now. I think everyone expects a big crowd because it’s an FA Cup game but that’s certainly not going to be the case.”

Kilbane, restored to the Hull line-up in one of 13 changes made by the two sides, endured a tough second-half as Wigan came from behind. Hull led at the interval through a sublime free-kick by Geovanni but the introduction of Charles N’Zogbia from the bench sparked a Wigan recovery.

The former Newcastle man levelled within two minutes, set up another for Ireland youngster James McCarthy and then added a third.

Scott Sinclair, who proved Kilbane’s chief tormentor, rubber-stamped Wigan’s place in the fourth round with a fine individual effort in the last minute.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was delighted with his side’s recovery, particularly after their 5-0 thrashing by Manchester United in midweek.

Martinez said: “The weather played a big part in the crowd, we need to understand that. The other thing is the glamour of the FA Cup – when you get a giantkilling situation or you can play a team you don’t normally see.

“When you get an all-Premier League tie it probably loses a bit of the special feeling but I am not worried at all. What I am pleased about is how we performed in the second half.

“We showed certain aspects we are going to carry on improving and I’ll make sure we’ve got a team that the fans are desperate to see. It is not a shame to lose to a very good Manchester United side. It is the manner of the performance – unacceptable.”

Both bottom-five sides now turn their attention back to the Premier League relegation battle. Wigan host Aston Villa while Hull face a tough test against leaders Chelsea at the KC Stadium.

WIGAN: Pollitt, Melchiot, Amaya, Bramble, Figueroa, Sinclair, Koumas (N’Zogbia 46), McCarthy, Thomas, Rodallega (Watson 77), Scotland.

HULL: Myhill, Mendy, Mouyokolo, Zayatte, Kilbane, Garcia, Cairney, Halmosi (Boateng 71), Geovanni, Ghilas (Cullen 67), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Altidore 79).

Referee: Andre Marriner.