RECOGNITION will not see Rhys Evans and his colleagues suddenly ease off the accelerator after the goalkeeper scooped the PFA Fans Player of the Month award for January.

The 24-year-old is also revving up attempts to build on the terrific team spirit forming within the Town camp.

He learned of his accolade as he led his colleagues to Wroughton-based Swindon Karting for an afternoon of high-speed fun.

And far from giving their manager a coronary, Iffy Onuora gave his blessing as he too looks to really develop the Swindon Town family'.

On his award Evans joked: "Obviously it pays to have friends with the internet. Seriously, I'm very grateful to everyone who voted for me.

"It's nice for me and nice for the club. It's a sign of respect and hopefully means I'm doing something right.

"After the way the season started personally with the injury situation and the way the results went, it's a good way to start 2006 I guess.

"It has been gradual improvement throughout the whole team and luckily it's been me that's been recognised.

"But we have to stay focused and realise we've given ourselves a chance. The job isn't done.

He added: "I'd like to dedicate the award to my grandad, Keith, who died just before the start of the season."

However, Evans feels the cause can only be aided by fostering a sense of togetherness on and off the pitch, hence yesterday's karting expedition.

He said: "I thought it would be a good afternoon for the lads and really get the adrenaline flowing as well as the banter.

"We're doing it at a time when things are going well and if this oils the wheels a little further then more the better.

"Footballers are competitive people and you want something fun that's really going to get the juices going. I've been a couple of times before and it certainly does that."

Boss Onuora is more than happy to see his players spending time together beyond training and matches.

Like Evans, he feels generating a strong spirit is important.

He said: "This isn't a question of a jolly' because people feel the hard work has been done, not the case at all.

"The lads can spend some time together and have something to eat together.

"It's important. I want to get a family atmosphere at the club all the way down. They're a great bunch and we want to keep them all pulling together for the common cause."

Sadly for Evans his efforts in organising the karting session were not rewarded with a place on the podium, Gareth Whalley winning with Michael Pook second and Jamie Cureton third.