The Magpies failed to win any of their opening four league matches before the international break started and sit second-bottom of the table, above rivals Sunderland on goal-difference alone.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the West Ham game, McClaren said: “Yes, absolutely (it feels like a new start).
“We have had four games and two of them have been with 10 men, and it’s very difficult.
“What did we learn? We learned we have got spirit, we have got fight, we can be organised and the players are willing to put the work in.”