[gordon]

One of the rod links in the clutch mechanism should be a threaded adjuster - if it's not there find out where it should be and put it in.

The inch of free play isn't critical, but it is critical that there is some, so you can see that the clutch is fully disengaged. Otherwise you risk burning out the clutch by effectively running with it part-disengaged all the time. One inch is a good figure for it.

Freeing the stuck clutch can be tricky. Start with blocking the pedal down to the floor, then start the engine and warm it up.

Next switch the engine off, put it in first, and immediately restart - obviously it will jerk forward as you do.

Then just drive it in circles in first gear, waiting for the clutch to pop loose. it helps if you can go uphill, downhill, over a couple of kerbs to jar the transmission. Obviously your only safety devices here are the brakes and ignition switch, so best done out in a field or away from anything fragile.

I have heard of people doing this and deliberately running into a tree at walking speed, but that always seemed a bit drastic to me. While you are driving it, try not to switch it off untill you are back close to your parking place or you can just bet it wont restart.

If all else fails you can take off the cover plate and try to pry it loose with a flat blade, but that would be the second last resort (the last being to pull the engine or gearbox)