WHILE it was finally confirmed this week that the Jersey-based Belgravia Group have completed their 'due diligence' examination of Newcastle United's accounts, Freddy Shepherd has revealed his dream of being the chairman who delivers silverware before he departs.

Shepherd, speaking ahead of today's visit of Tottenham in the Premiership, said he would like to remain in his position for the long term but realises any offer that would help Newcastle prosper would lead to his exit.

There is no certainty that interest from Belgravia, Polygon or other interested parties will lead to a bid in excess of £200m. Until it does, Shepherd remains very much in control on Tyneside.

That is exactly how he likes it, suggesting that before he eventually bows out he would like to have celebrated a trophy success, something Newcastle have not done in a major competition since 1969 - domestically it dates back further.

"In selfish terms, I want success, not for Freddy Shepherd, chairman, but for Freddy, lifelong Newcastle supporter," said the chairman.

"I was 14 when this club last won the FA Cup in 1955. OK, I can remember it but there was one small problem - I was thousands of miles away at school in Australia. I want to be there the next time we win it.

"It's my club, and I mean that not as a chairman, but in the way every fan says it's his club. It's in my blood. You can get rid of the wife or the bank manager but a Geordie can never get rid of Newcastle.

"This is my only club, the only one that even registers on my radar. I'm Fred the fan first, chairman second. I first started watching Newcastle as a kid in the Gallowgate End and I'll continue watching until the day I die."

Belgravia made an official approach on August 21 and have studied the accounts since.

Despite ongoing speculation that there have been bids, Shepherd denies it. He continues, therefore, to work for the future - as chairman.

"I'm still planning for the short-term, the medium-term and the long-term," said Shepherd, after a week in which Newcastle held a low-key annual meeting in London.

"That's what I've got to do, it's only sensible. Who knows what the future holds. There's been a lot of talk but talk is cheap. I don't know what will come out of the woodwork.

"On the takeover, I've said as much as Stock Exchange rules allow but I want to make it clear that I'm as committed to Newcastle as I've ever been.

"I'm desperate for success and will do everything in my power to bring it here, like I've always done. This current board has a proven record. Under this regime, Newcastle has one of the best grounds and some of the best training facilities in Europe."

It was only the beginning of last month when angry supporters demanded an end to Shepherd's reign as the head man at Newcastle.

Shay Given and captain Scott Parker, along with manager Glenn Roeder and his assistants, were summoned for a crisis meeting.

From that point on, Newcastle have not looked back, despite a monumental list of injuries that have sidelined many of Roeder's best players.

Shepherd feels Roeder coped as well as Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson would have done in similar circumstances.

"Considering the injuries we've had, he's done a fantastic job. In fact, I doubt even Sir Alex could have done a better one in the circumstances," said Shepherd.

"You can only go to war with what you've got and the truth is he's gone into a lot of battles without his heavy artillery - and he's won quite a few of them. Now we're starting to get a few back and you can see the difference.

"I saw a Newcastle crock XI the other day and thought 'that's not a bad team, it would win a hell of a lot more games than it lost'."

Newcastle's hopes of winning the Carling Cup this season ended on Wednesday night, when Chelsea left St James' with a 1-0 win courtesy of Didier Drogba's stunning, albeit controversial, free-kick.

Nevertheless, despite the cup exit, Shepherd is still in bullish mood after witnessing Roeder steer Newcastle out of a tricky patch and up towards mid-table respectability.

Since the defeat to Sheffield United on November 4, the Magpies have lost just twice, both times to double Premiership champions Chelsea by the odd goal.

And Shepherd, not looking to discuss a new contract with Roeder just yet, is positive as he looks to the new year.

"There's a lot to look forward to in 2007," said Shepherd.

"Michael Owen will be back at some stage and goals are guaranteed from that young man. He's only played ten games for us and scored seven goals. If he scores at the same ratio, then think what a difference that will make.

"We've never really discussed a contract with Glenn, I don't think he's even thought about it. He's settled in the job and is very happy. He may be a Cockney but this is his spiritual home.

"He was a player here for a long time, several years as captain, so there's no reason why he shouldn't spend a similar time as manager.

"Certainly, I don't hear any complaints from fans about Glenn being in charge."