STUNNED Greenock Rileys staff turned up for work yesterday after learning from media reports that the company had gone into administration.

Workers said they were ‘shellshocked’ by sudden news of the company’s difficulties.

They told the Tele how senior management had failed to inform them about the plight of the Milton Keynes-based leisure firm.

One staff member said: “You know as much as we do. I got my information from Sky News — we weren’t told anything about this by head office.” The popular Greenock sports bar — which offers snooker, pool, darts, poker and bingo as well as live football on a giant three-metre screen — is among 44 branches being kept open by administrators Deloitte while a new buyer for the troubled chain is sought.

Fifteen sites around the UK have been immediately closed as a result of the company’s perilous trading position and 104 people out of a total workforce of 522 club staff have been made redundant.

Meanwhile, a further 20 head office jobs have also gone.

It is understood that four people are currently employed at the Greenock club, which appears to be one which is considered worthy of saving.

A staff member said: “It’s business as usual for us.

“We’re obviously in a state of flux but hopefully someone will come along and take us on.

“We’re certainly a very busy club here with a lot of members who come to enjoy what we have to offer, particularly at the weekend.

“All we can do is wait and see what happens next.” Rileys, which was established in 1878, has been plunged into administration just two months after owner Greybull Capital put the company up for sale.

Greybull bought the firm two years ago via a controversial process known as a pre-pack administration.

Rob Harding of Deloitte told the Telegraph: “Following our appointment it has been necessary for us to implement certain cuts immediately.

“We are now working to stabilise the business following our appointment whilst we consider our options for securing the best outcome for the Company’s creditors.

“The remaining sites continue to trade as normal and we appreciate the co-operation and support of the Company’s employees, landlords, customers and other key stakeholders.”