Although I agree that Pardew has been OK nothing else I find it hard to believe that the cups have not been good for the club.
We have had relatively easy draws in the FA Cup so it is not surprising that we got to 5th Round - Likewise in the JPT we had a number of home draws.
Of course promotion is the priority but without a second proven goal scorer it has always been difficult
I think the season has been excellant but with -10 points and a poor start the Cups have made the season for me