Former Trinidad and Tobago World Cup team goalkeeper Neil Shaka Hislop is beginning to enjoy a different facet of football these days.
No it’s not quite being the man between the uprights nor is it the one where you get to smile and reflect on winning performances in front of reporters. It’s actually that time when you take the responsibility of determining how well a player, in this case a goalkeeper, is prepared.
Hislop is currently the player/coach at American Major League Soccer team Dallas FC.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying my time and my new role as player/coach here at Dallas. I’ve always enjoyed coaching goalkeepers and I’m now getting the chance to work everyday with the two other very good goalkeepers we have here,” Hislop told TTFF Media on the weekend. Dario Sala and Ray Burse are the two other glovesmen on the Dallas roster. Sala is 33, Burse is 23 while Hislop is veteran at 38. The former Newcastle United goal guard was on the bench on Saturday as Sala took up position in a 3-3 draw with DC United.
The former West Ham United custodian, now president of the recently set up Football Players Association of Trinidad and Tobago, is also hinting that he would strongly consider moving to Trinidad to take up duties in some form of the game.
He’s reached that point in his career when he has to consider other options, closely weighing them and deciding when to say “It’s time!”
“Of course I’d consider any opportunities to return home. I’ve always intended to return home when my playing career finally comes to an end. I certainly feel that the experience I’ve gained in my time as a professional could and should be put to good use.
“I think the toughest thing you must face as a professional is knowing when to say when. You get used to competing, against the opposition every weekend, against your teammates in training everyday, and at times with yourself in your own efforts to be the best you can. It’s tough to give that up, especially after doing it for as long as I have. But my time is drawing near. I feel I can continue to compete certainly at this level, but not for much longer,” Hislop added.
His last biggest feat at the club level was taking away a runners up medal in the FA Cup with West Ham last season and he’s certainly made a huge name for himself on the English stage.
“I can certainly look back on my career with a certain amount of pride in what I’ve managed to achieve and be a part of on and off the field… from the FA Cup Final at club level, to the World Cup at international level and to my charity work with Show Racism The Red Card off the field.”
And if he does end up working in Trinidad at some point, he wants it to be both beneficial to FPATT and its relationship with the governing body as well as it’s working together towards the development of the game.
“If I do end up back home, I certainly hope I’d be able to continue my work with FPATT. I know everyone in football understands the need for a players association in modern day football. The rewards and the temptations in modern day football are tremendous, players need someone to look after their affairs so all they have to do is play football. Football across the board will benefit. I hope I can be a part of that. Again, I feel that the experiences I’ve gained during my time as a player will be invaluable to those efforts,” Hislop said with optimism.
It’s no secret that the big man’s last appearance on the international stage in a competitive game could be against his country of birth – England. Surely that will stand out in any of Hislop’s future bios. And with that he is becoming more of a fan of local goalkeeping talent this time around.
“I have always been a fan of the local goalkeeping talent. From my time working with Ross Russell, who I seem to mention in every interview I do, to the current crop.
“Clayton Ince is certainly the most naturally gifted goalkeeper we have today. Why he hasn’t gone on to play more consistently at a higher level is confusing. I’d probably need to work with him for longer spells than we do when we’re home for the few days for international games to be able to answer that one.
“Jan Michael Williams had made a very big fan out of me with his performances in this year’s Gold Cup. I’ve not been fortunate enough to work with him at all, but he certainly has everything it takes to make it. All he needs now is a little luck, a lot of hard work and him keeping his feet on the ground and he should go far.
“I’ve said many times before now that if Kelvin (Jack) did not get in to the national starting team when he did we would not have gone to the World Cup. That’s a fact. His work ethic and his determination are second to none. The save he made in the final seconds in Bahrain sums up everything I just said about the man. No one else would’ve made that save. Right now he is certainly the best goalkeeper in Trinidad and Tobago, though Jan Michael I’m sure will want to have something to say about that. Jan Michael is the only goalkeeper with the talent to seriously challenge Kelvin for the number one shirt,” Hislop noted. Jan and company should do the same.