2002. 1.8T 4x4 Octavia 1.

Clutch feels fine, no judder, no slip. Biting point and feed travel is correct.

Clutch pedal very hard, it would be impossible to ride the clutch, as it rock hard in the up position. But there are times when the first inch is slack and soft. Other times its felt softer to push. So I was thinking it might be a slave/servo issue? Any thoughts? Is this a common problem? I want to investigate this before thinking it needs a new clutch, but won't then solve the problem.

It does sound like a slave or master cylinder problem. How's your gearchange been? I struggled with a really horrible notchy change on my vrs for nigh on 2 years. In that time i replaced lots of parts including two gearbox oil changes. It was eventually traced to a leaking slave cylinder. Try bleeding the clutch first. Its the easiest place to start.

Yeah, start by looking for leaks in the clutch hydraulics, then bleed same. If there's still no cure, then it must be the clutch :( .

Have you got underneath the dash area and checked the pedal? I'm sure they were prone for the weld to break. As mentioned, do the easy things first.

Looks like a hydraulic thing? Got in yesterday and I had a 1 inch free travel at the top of the pedal again and not so hard to press down?

Yeah, that looks very much like hydraulics. One good thing about them; we can rule out adjustment issues immediately because they have an analogue automatic adjustment.