Appreciative of a load of coal? (8)
I believe the answer is:
grateful
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' acts as a 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" .)