Do l actually have to remove both driveshafts as the Haynes manual states or is there another way round this?
Yes, l meant clutch, not clurch...thanks.

Yes,you need to remove both drive shafts from the gearbox,but only remove the passenger side drive shaft completely to get it out of the way, to get the gearbox out.Hope this helps

If the Haynes manual says so, then l would tend to agree: Do not see how you could get enough sideways movement to split engine & bellhousing without doing so.

No you don't...just pop both lower ball joints and swing gearbox back out of the way.Obviously dis-connect gear slelector rods,easy enough job..just make sure you support the engine with a small trolley jack! Basically pull gearbox back from block and tilt upwards away from you towards bulkhead of car.You will have some restriction from the driveshafts but not much.