Shaka Hislop [1995 - 1998]
| Born | Hackney | 22 / 2 / 1969 | |
| Arrived | Reading | 8 / 1995 | £1,575,000 |
| Debut | Coventry H | ||
| Departed | West Ham | 7 / 1998 | OOC |
| App - Gls | 71 / 0 | 0 |
Although born in London Shaka grew up in Trinidad and started his professional career in the United States. He moved to Reading where he became recognised as one of the best 'keepers outside the Premiership.
With Hooper out of favour Keegan was looking for competition for Pav and in Shaka he found a very similar player. At four inches over six foot he is one of the tallest players who have played for the club and not surprisingly he was good in the air and had a tremendous reach. Combined with good agility he had all the makings of a decent custodian.
However despite his size his slightly hunched posture meant that he didn't cut as imposing figure as he might and didn't dominate his area as much as he possibly could.
With Srnicek suspended Shaka was installed as first choice at the start of the 1995/96 season but an injury allowed Pav back in. In the following campaign Shaka was second choice until Pav was dropped at Christmas.
Following the arrival of Shay Given Shaka once again found himself as second choice and he left for West Ham at the end of the 1997/98 season with his contract having expired.