Rileys Sports Bars calls in administrators

Collapse came as more than 5000 staff awaited their fate at Phones4U

(GETTY IMAGES)

Thousands of wannabe Paul Newmans may have to find a new venue to practice their cueing skills after Rileys Sports Bars collapsed into administration on the same day as Phones4U.

The 60-strong chain of pool and snooker halls has appointed Robert Harding and Ian Wormleighton of Deloitte as joint administrators, according to a message posted on its website last night.

It came as more than 5000 staff awaited their fate at Phones4U which called in administrators at PWC yesterday. The phone retailer’s stores will remain closed until further notice.

Deloittes closed 15 Rileys' venues immediately, although another 44 are set to continue trading as normal, according to Mr Harding.

Rileys that have closed, with the loss of 104 jobs, include sites in Manchester, Guildford, Coatbridge, Derby, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Peterborough, Hull, Luton, Rugby, Scunthorpe, Wigan and Plymouth.

Another 20 jobs have gone at the Milton Keynes head office.

It is the second time in less than two years that the chain has been placed in administration.