THE sight of so many empty seats at the Stadium of Light on Saturday left Mark Robins "really sad", as Stoke City's boss told of his concern at the lack of interest in the FA Cup.

Just over 15,000 fans turned out at the Stadium of Light, on a weekend in which attendances were down in plenty of third round ties.

And for Robins, who won the FA Cup as a player with Manchester United and led Coventry to the semi-finals as a manager last season, it's a worrying trend.

He said: "No crowd really. It's a really weird one this. It's the FA Cup. Where are the people? I understand the cost of things and it must be really biting. The cold is biting, the finances are biting. It isn't good.

"It's really worrying and sad. I've seen there's been empty stadia up and down the country and it's not good. This stadium normally has 50,000 people in it and absolutely rocking so it's a bit of a surprise.

"Thank you to everyone who came because that's really important, and particularly our supporters."

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The third round ties were split over five days for TV, with Sheffield United's clash against Cardiff City on Thursday night watched by just 6,000 supporters.

Robins understands that priorities have changed for clubs since the days when FA Cup ties were the highlight of a season, but says "everyone has to take responsibility",

He said: It's really sad. Is it because we've changed the start, starting on Thursdays? It's always been a Saturday and Sunday, always has been. Is it that which has caused consternation? Is it other factors? The weather? The cost of things is really biting?

"It's a worry because it's the best cup competition in the world and everyone has to take responsibility. You've got to try to play your best side, try to get through. But people prioritise things and it starts to change and if that's seeping down into the Championship, that's really sad.

"Everybody wants to get promoted to the Premier League. Everybody. But you've got to try to do it right by the club, by everyone, the FA, the EFL, right by the supporters. Every club has a responsibility."

Robins made just three changes for the game and named a strong side, and was delighted to advance to the fourth round.

He said: "The lads deserve credit for sticking at it and the two goals came from our good press.

"It was two young teams with people making mistakes when they didn't need to. There wasn't many chances.

"I'm glad we got through. It was tough watching at times but it's a start for us. If you can't play brilliantly then stick at it, which we did."