[Mrmerlin]

you need to look under the car at the bell housing ,
on the bottom of the bell housing there is an inspection hole,
you need to make sure that the push rod is in fact placed in the release arm,
from your info the push rod isnt there,
and has extended and is pushing against something that wont move.

solution , loosen the bolts about 7 turns,
then slide the slave out,
and using your finger guide the push rod into the release arm,
a dab of thick grease on the tip of the rod is good