So what was the performance like at Torquay?

[Pie Eater]

Was Paul McLaren effective in that holding role?

At times I thought so.
But the two conceded in the 77 mins he was on the pitch perhaps provides evidence against.

Much better than expected since it was his first competitive match since 16/10/10 playing for Tranmere in a 3-0 home defeat against Brentford.