Kilbane wants winter break

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 yesterday 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.

Republic of 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 because it’s hard on everyone.”

Kilbane, restored to the Hull line-up in one of 13 changes made by the two sides yesterday, 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 dramatic Wigan recovery.

The former Newcastle man levelled within two minutes, set up another for 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.

The Spaniard is determined to entice the fans back – possibly even for an FA Cup run.

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 against a very good Manchester United side. It is the manner of the performance – unacceptable.

“So then any football game is important, it doesn’t matter who we play. We have to go into every game wanting to perform.

“Let’s see where we can go in the FA Cup – treating every game as an important one. We will treat the FA Cup with the respect it deserves. In my opinion it is the best cup competition in world football.

“To have that glamour around the football club – it is important to have it for as long as we can.”

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.

“It is a big blow but there is no bigger and no better game for us to get up for next week,” said Kilbane.