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FIRSTPLUS operate solely from Cardiff but are a division of Barclaycard, the Premiership sponsors, who have access to the trophy for promotional purposes for a period every year. (Rumour has it that there are two identical trophies, one currently resides in Old Trafford's Museum, the other identical in every respect is the one you see behind Richard Keys at Sky tv each weekend and, most likely, today in Cardiff. A call to Old Trafford Museum confirmed their Premiership trophy was on display there too).
The trophy was much bigger than most people realise and weighs an incredible 4 stone and, yes, it contains real gold. Staff were therefore not allowed to touch it.
According to NigelBlues, that was no problem. "It was decorated in red, black and white ribbons for Manchester United, I wouldn't ever touch it with those colours on. It is a condition that it must adorn the team colours of its current holders at all times on display so that's why it was those colours. Never mind, in May they can rip the black ribbon off and give it to Arsenal!!".
Two burly security men guarded the trophy at all times. It was, they said, nothing to do with being in Pentwyn, it is continuously guarded. For the chief, it is his only job. He guards it in Sky tv each weekend, when it is on display around the country and at grounds. Shortly, he will also be guarding the new winner's medals too before they are handed out at the end of the season.
The trophy spent 5 hours at the Cardiff offices before being put back into its huge case and into the back of a hatchback car, not unlike that of any travelling rep you see everyday. Discreteness is the watch word.
I guess I've got closer to the Premiership than Cardiff City ever will or any of its players ... but I hope it's back for keeps sometime soon" said our intrepid reporter, "it's wasted in Manchester or London".