Exactly Kev, unfortunately though, Benitez will find it tough to survive with this current squad. I think clearing the decks is an acceptable option for the board, but, with a manager as unpopular as Benitez, the poor performances and mediocre results, which will most probably follow, it will quickly lead to a large percentage of the crowd turning on him.
He is in a difficult enough position already and would need to really over achieve to get the fans on his side. He was a very strange appointment anyway, perhaps the board have brought him in as a potential scapegoat.