Appreciative of a load of coal? (8)
I believe the answer is:
grateful
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'appreciative' is the first definition.
(similar in meaning)
'a load of coal?' is the second definition.
(a full grate of coal)
'of' is the link.
(Other definitions for grateful that I've seen before include "Felt a rug (anag)" , "quantity of coal" , "Showing appreciation for kindness" , "Thankful, appreciative" , "Showing gratitude" .)