Wembley is back

Wembley is back, The FA Cup has come home - and Didier Drogba has given it all a real sense of symmetry.

It seems an age ago that Dennis Wise climbed the steps to the Wembley Royal Box and then descended them with The FA Cup in one hand and baby son Henry in the other.

To put that famous memory in perspective, Henry Wise is now eight years old and dad Dennis is no longer a player but a manager at Leeds United instead.

Of the Chelsea team that beat Aston Villa 1-0 that day only two are still playing, although fresh-faced substitute John Terry has done pretty well for himself.

But seven years without the Twin Towers were soon forgotten as the new Wembley opened its illustrious doors today and Drogba scored in extra-time to give the 2000 winners the trophy once again in 2007.

A capacity crowd of almost 90,000 were there to witness it and the sun, as is traditional on Cup Final day, welcomed the players onto the pitch amid a barrage of noise.

The stadium has changed beyond belief of course - having been completely rebuilt to become arguably the best and most modern in the world.

But, like a prodigal son returning home from a long trip, The FA Cup was welcomed back with open arms - and within minutes it was like it had never been away.

As Abide With Me was sung, Prince William addressed the crowd and the band played, football’s history and its future nestled together in harmony.

The 90 minutes of normal time wasn’t perhaps the greatest Wembley has ever seen, but there were chances for both sides and a wonderful cameo performance of skill and determination from Wayne Rooney.

Add in a remarkable double save from Petr Cech and a Didier Drogba free-kick that struck the woodwork and there was plenty to remember.

In extra time, just like the old days, there were players being struck down with cramp as the tension cranked up a notch.

And there was drama when Giggs failed to connect properly with a Rooney cross but his momentum saw him almost bundle keeper Cech, and the ball, over the line.

Chelsea sub Salomon Kalou could have won it, too, with a wonderful chance that flew wide. But the scene was set for Drogba, the top scorer in English football this season, to hit the winner and grab the glory.

How fitting. The club that held the trophy when Wembley closed its doors has won it again now they are well and truly open.