clutch release bearing

hi i have a series 3 2.286 petrol 1976 the clutch pedal was getting soaked originaly daily until today when i replaced the master clyclinder. tryed bleeding the system and still couldnt get gears took the slave cyclinder off and thers a rod connecting it to the clutch fork is it supposed to be free ie just pressure system up and it staying inplace when cyclinders in or does it have a retaining clip connecting it to the clutch fork ? i have ended up taking the box out to find the release bearings melted to the clutch ( brand new 13months ago) is their any heavy duty bearings out there as i dont fancy doing it again anytime soon cheers

Mine fell out when I took the engine out, so either mine was knacked or its sposed to be free.
Also check the clutch release fork where it pivots, at the pivot dimple in the middle of the fork unit, sometimes they wear right through and the fork collapses into the box.