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.