IT was a year late opening and at £757 million is one of the most expensive stadiums ever built.

Dogged by construction and legal problems, Wembley was in danger of becoming a national laughing stock. But now it's here, is it worth the long wait?

Well, in a word, yes. It's mightily impressive and will surely provide an awe-inspiring atmosphere when full to its 90,000 capacity for the FA Cup final on Saturday.

But even with 53,262 in for the FA Trophy final, the noise was deafening.

The stadium, visually stunning with its arch as you approach from Olympic Way, is much larger than the old Wembley and rises steeply to give the perception of being right on top of the action.

Access from public transport appears very good considering the volume of people and the walk to the stadium gives chance to savour the occasion among the bustle of fans.

Not being a supporter, as far as the press area goes security is airport-tight with bag searches and metal detectors.

Journalists are then whisked up to the media area in a lift and escorted through a labyrinth of corridors to their seat and the hospitality suite.

The view of the lush pitch is perfect, complimented by the giant stadium screens and flat-screen monitors in the media area.

The only slight drawback is the royal box is directly above and members of the press have to watch presentations on the big screens.

But, like any new building, it still has its teething problems.

According to callers to Five Live's 6-0-6 phone-in, the roof, which only extends to cover the seats, leaks in the west stand to such an extent that fans had to be moved.

There is also a section of red seating in the middle tier of the west stand that has been faded pink by the sun.

However, the new Wembley is a fine venue and time will tell if it lives up to the old one.