Thanks for your reply.
Sorry, I should have added that detail- you're correct, it's a manual.
It's going in on Friday anyway so hopefully that will provide some clarity.
Along with the biting point feeling a bit lower, the gear changes are a bit jerky in 2nd/3rd.
Another thing I have noticed is that when the car is in 3rd / 4th and rolling along, when I accelerate moderately and take my foot off the pedal, there's a similar creaking noise to what the gear changes are making. There's a bit of a judder higher up the revs but not quite the same as misfire /limp mode etc.
All a bit odd nonetheless but there's something not quite right, will know more soon....
Thanks again.