Can anybody help having a few shifting problems checked over the mech and when I get hold of the pulley cage and the body part of the mech that the cage attaches to there seems to be quite a bit of side to side play is this normal

Sounds like the pin at the knuckle before the cage is worn. Have you clattered it? I mnaged to loosen mine and twist the plates without noticing. Once i had straightened the plates it was clear the pin was buggered too in the impact. New plates you can get, pins not! I recommend SLX replacement cheaper works very nearly as well and only a bag of crisps heavier.