I can't blame Gower. It's obvious he as been trying to motivate his team mates, by words and example. The lazy incompetent slobs just aren't up to it.

Tim. You cannot give more than 100%. Try it some time.

Bored, pi$$ed-off & miserable is the reason. I wouldn't want to be London's captain either with our record. By standing down he's done the right thing especially on his salary.

It's an expression, but thanks for pointing it out for me.

I suggest that Northen Rock et al did.....and look where we are today!

Sorry! One of my many faults is being pedantic.

Was having a word with Tony Rae earlier in the season & was asking when Clubby was likely to be returning from an injury, during the conversation, he praised Clubby for his attitude & said he would be a future Club Captain, so this has been in the pipeline for a time.
If I remember rightly, didn't Wigan have a couple of Captains a few years ago ? Didn't seem to do them too much harm.
Hopefully Craig Gower is going to remain with us for the remainder of his contract but I wonder how much more punishment his body can take. Let's hope our players will finally learn to give him more protection during the game!!

Gower has always been a great playmaker and always gives 100%, even when some of those around him have lost interest. The example he sets is always exemplary, but sometimes you need leadership in the form of guidance to other players, and I'm not sure that's his strong point.

I'm sure some folk will argue that professional players shouldn't need guidance, but inevitably some players do. You could also argue that expecting your main playmaker to also guide the team strategically is placing too much on the shoulders of one man.

If Clubby is able to take on that strategic role it could be good, but I do worry that Gower might be getting ready to press the eject button.

Nobody has mentioned the possibility that this change was not Gower's idea, but Tony Rea's. Gower may be very upset with the decision of TR and maybe that is why the contract commitment was raised by TR.

If that is true then TR has made another big blunder. Gower is a natural leader and should have remained captain. The problem of motivating the players is up to the coach more than the captain. TR is obviously failing in this regard and he may well be trying to "pass the buck" on to Craig Gower. If so he has made a dangerous move. You don't humiliate the most distinguished and best player in your team. It's bad psychology, even for a New Age thinker.

I don't know why Craig Gower would want to be under the instructions of a less experienced and less distinguished player. He may well retire this year, though I doubt that he would want to sacrifice the money he is guaranteed if he stays on till the end of 2014.

Certainly crossed my mind (and everyone elses, I expect).

Of course, it is possible that there has been another golf buggy incident.

If you look at other clubs and even sports Captains have stood themselves down to concentrate on their own performances

So no-one knows but everyone continues to guess or make up stories to suit. But why does it always have to be something sinister?

spot on RB

Whatever the reason for the change, it seems to me that its a good idea to have an 80 minute player as captain, not someone who spends large chunks of the game on the bench.

Nothing I heard at the game on Saturday has given me any comfort at all.

I don't think CG stepped down willingly, and I doubt we have a willing Captain in the whole team.

Did anyone pick up Terry O'Connors comment on the SL review show? He said rumours are that Growler wants a release from his contract (no surprises there).

I'm really disappointed in this and the frustrating thing is, none of this would be happening if we were winning some games!