Mk2 Timing Belt Change

[workhorse '90 8v]

As we have no record of the last belt change on either of our cars
i'm hoping to do the change myself soon.

The Haynes manual doesn't make it look too hard, but there are a
couple of bits i'm not sure about!

Firstly (pages 2C.8 / 2C.9 section 9) paragraph 6 states "turn the
crankshaft sprocket...in the direction of engine rotation"
which way would that be? clockwise/anti-clockwise?

Secondly, paragraph 7 - "Now look through the hole in which the TDC
sensor goes where the timing marks show on the periphery of the
flywheel and note the reading."
You what?!!!!
and why?!!

Also i've heard that you should also renew the tensioner aswell as the belt ?  Is this recomended?

So, any tips would be super appreciated!
Have any of you done a timing belt change at home with the usual
tools, nothing special?
Is it a b!tch of a job?!

[Blue MK2]

for the direction i would start the car and see what way it turns am i right?

tentioner is reccomended as you have no records

[workhorse '90 8v]

yep that would be simple

but not as simple as sitting here in the warm and asking you lot which direction to turn it

[golfvr6]

Clockwise is normal direction, i don't think it really makes any difference.
You do not need to use the mark on the flywheel/pressure plate. Use the marks on the timing belt end.
I would recommend changing the tensioner as well.
You can do the job without any special tools, however it is easier to get the special tool to turn the tensioner.
Only other tricky bit is getting the crankshaft and water pump pulleys off, they are allen keys so make sure the socket is in flush.
Get someone to give you a hand if you can, and take your time! rushed job means trashed engine.
Pay attention to the timing marks, make sure they stay lined up when tensioning. Check them, check them , double check them etc...