Hey, newb to the forums, and also to the world of the Polo (first car)!

Got a '98R 1.4 petrol 6n Polo with genuine 30k miles on the clock (bought from a family member who has run it from new!) and just recently have been running into a few problems:

Problem 1: The Polo has trouble starting, but only when it has been driven shortly before. It will start 100% of the time in normal and sub-zero temperatures, when it has been left overnight. But if I drive somewhere, even a few hours later it often (say 80-90% of the time?) will not start. The only thing that seems to work is when I pump the accelerator pedal while it is turning over. Once it starts, it idles irregularly until I push the revs over about 2k-2.5k rpm which seems to 'clear it out' and then it runs fine.

Problem 2: While driving, when I press the clutch pedal down, sometimes the engine revs by itself to 1.9k rpm. It is usually apparent when I am changing down approaching a junction, so the clutch is depressed for longer than normal. The engine will continue to rev high even at a standstill and the only way I can bring it down is to rest the clutch on the bite in gear, with the brakes on. Obviously I don't want to be doing this a lot for fear of wearing out the brakes and the clutch...

Problem 2 doesn't happen all the time, but seemingly randomly while driving. Problem 1 is a consistent problem though.

I've only been driving a couple of months so still unfamiliar with the engine and electronics systems of the car. If anyone can give me advice on what the problems could be caused by, and even better describe how to go about analysing/fixing them myself (from a noob's perspective!) then it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Also, should I pick up a Haynes manual for the car?

Problem 1: I had the same when i got mine. I saw on papers that previous owner tried to change spark plugs. When car was cold it started fine. If i drive for few mins then stop, then cant start until press gas. But if i drive for 10mins or so until engine is warm it starts fine again. luckily i noticed that my temperature sender reported fault code. I changed it and since then i never had that problem again.