Right so problem #452 with the car is that the clutch has become spongy, especially when warm. It doesn’t slip so I’m thinking it may be a problem such as a clutch line has dropped and the fluid is being heated up. I can’t see why or how air would’ve got into the system. Perhaps the fluid just needs replacing? Or could be something to do with the pedal as the return spring was broken when I got it? As I drive this car a lot for my job I know very well how it should normally feel and it doesn’t feel as heavy as it used to.

As an addendum it does feel like it races a bit in 1st and the change into 2nd can be really numb.

Anybody?

Air usually gets into the clutch line through a dodgy slave cylinder... Hopefully that's not the issue as it's a gearbox off job to replace, and while you're doing that may as well replace the clutch plates at the same time.

Only thing to suggest is bleeding the clutch to see if it feels any better.

You also say that it doesn't slip, but that the engine races in 1st, which would indicate slipping...

Hoping not dodgy slave, as like you say they're a rather terrifying job on a Focus! I'll get a recording of a 1st gear pull and see if we can work out whether I'm being paranoid or it is actually slipping. I might get the fluid changed and have everything bled to see if that cures anything.