Base availability is seat-dependent, I know earlier this year MAN was not available directly as an OCC captain, but the transfer list is relatively short and with Liverpool opening in May, a base transfer will be likely by then. As for LBA, it was an option for both FOs/Captains joining the company in June/July/August/September.
If both airports are equidistant to you, I would recommend LBA. MAN is a ballache to get from the parking to the crew room for all airlines based there and you have to factor in a good 30 minutes from the car park to the crew room. Whereas LBA parking is right in front of security. The flipside is that LBA is a more challenging airport and you'll probably be diverting to MAN whenever the weather is particularly horrendous.
Ah thats great thanks for your help (I am a FO). I am only 10mins from LBA and 50mins from Man, so hopefully LBA is available for me
