Canberra United W-League coach Heather Garriock sacked

The Canberra Times can reveal Capital Football officials informed Garriock this week of their decision not to renew her contract beyond this season.

It's understood Garriock was expected to tell her players about her impending departure on Thursday morning, and she will remain in charge for the last two games of the regular season against Adelaide and Brisbane.

Capital Football boss Phil Brown says it's "time for change" after United fell short of the W-League finals for the third straight season.

Canberra has struggled again this season, conceding 15 goals in the past four games without being able to score one of their own.

But the chance to send Garriock out on a high will add extra motivation for the final weeks of the season before Canberra begins its search for a new mentor.

Garriock says she's disappointed but also understands the decision made by Capital Football.

"I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by Capital Football to coach at this level," Garriock said.

"As somebody who has been involved in elite sport for most of my life, I fully understand the decision that has been made by the organisation.

"I am proud of the role I have played in nurturing young players and developing them, not only as footballers, but also as people. I have enjoyed contributing to the lives on-and-off the field of every player who has pulled on a Canberra United jersey."

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Matildas legend Garriock came to Canberra with high hopes when she began her tenure in 2017 after the team finished as premiers in the 2016-17 campaign.

Canberra just missed the finals in her first season, finishing fifth in 2017-18 before slipping to eighth in 2018-19.

Garriock then signed a one-year contract extension which included her position as head coach of Canberra United Academy in the lead-up to the current W-League season. It's believed she will not continue this role.

The team is sixth on the ladder this season with two games remaining, having won just three of 10 matches so far.

Canberra appears to have been left behind in the battle for W-League supremacy after rival clubs increased their female football investment.

Garriock has overhauled the playing roster every year she's been in charge, retaining just three players from her inaugural season.

Adding to the struggles, Canberra has been without a team manager for the past five weeks, leaving Garriock to book flights, do laundry and organise air conditioning for international players.

The wheels began to fall off Canberra's finals hopes this year when when American import Katie Stengel was ruled out of the season with an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old was the United's marquee signing but the club did not recruit another international to play the remaining games as a guest player.