Firbank landlord is named ‘BT Sports Manager of the Month’

Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub operator is pleased to announce that Manchester pub licensee Simon Delaney of The Firbank, Wythenshawe has been named as BT Sport’s Manager of the Month for October, presented with the trophy by the original Special One, Jose Mourinho.

BT Sport launched the monthly scheme to highlight the great work of licensees up and down the country. Simon beat nominees from across the land to the title because of his passion for sport and his ability to provide a warm and engaging atmosphere for all fans – including those of both Manchester United and Manchester City.

Under the leadership of Simon and his wife Rachael, The Firbank has gone from strength to strength with the couple working hard to firmly establish the pub as a social hub at the heart of its local area. In 2016, the Delaney’s extensive efforts to reach out to all ages of their local community were acknowledged when The Firbank was awarded Best Community Pub at the prestigious Great British Pub Awards. The award commended the extensive work the couple have done with a wide range of community groups and local teams, as well as the thousands of pounds raised each year for worthy causes. Further success followed later that year when the couple also collected the Pride of Manchester Award at Manchester City Council’s ‘Be Proud Awards.’

2017 has seen the Firbank team build further on their efforts to bring the local community together, culminating this November with the BT Sport’s Manager of the Month Award. Over the course of the year The Firbank has also pioneered a partnership with Age Friendly Manchester to launch Age Friendly Wythenshawe, supporting a good quality of life for older people in the local area. The team also took immense pride in supporting Manchester Day 2017, participating in this year’s ‘Magic’ themed parade.

Commenting on the Award, Simon Delaney of The Firbank, Wythenshawe, said: “Whilst the Man United fan in me says this should be a Man Utd pub, the landlord in me wants to be sure we offer a great atmosphere to all our local sports fans. I get some flak for flying both the red and blue flags but we are a community pub and its core to our ethos that everyone feels welcome at The Firbank.

I would like to thank everyone at BT Sport – it was a real privilege to meet Mourinho and we can’t wait to get our new prized TV up and in situ at the pub.”

Commenting on the Award, Tony Sullivan, Business Development Manager For Admiral Taverns said:

“On behalf of everyone at Admiral I would like to congratulate Simon, Rachael and the team at The Firbank on the Award. They have worked so hard to build a fantastic pub business that really adds value to the local community of Wythenshawe. Pubs provide a great hub for sports fans and it’s a credit to Simon and Rachael’s efforts that they have created such a welcoming atmosphere for local fans.”