Manual Shift Knob Difficulties

I have a '95 Cavalier and i have purchased an APC shift knob for the car. Problem being is i cannot remove the stock knob. There is a metal U- Shaped calsp or something inside the shifter but pushing it in, seems to do nothing. Please help, how do i remove this piece of garbage?

Assuming it's the same as my '97, that U-clip is supposed to pull out. I was able to pry mine out with a flathead screwdriver. After that, the knob should pop right off.

I suggest using needle nose pliers.thats what i used